Down syndrome critical region 1-like protein

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a Down syndrome critical region 1-like 1 protein, its encoding cDNAs, and antibodies that specifically bind the protein. The invention also provides for the use of these compositions in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and evaluation of progression and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/614,474 filed Jul. 11, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to Down syndrome critical region 1-like 1 protein, its encoding cDNA, and an antibody that specifically bind the protein and their use in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and evaluation of the progression and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, and in particular, Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by the formation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles containing amyloid beta peptide. These plaques are found in limbic and association cortices of the brain, including hippocampus, temporal cortices, cingulate cortex, amygdala, nucleus basalis and locus caeruleus. Early in Alzheimer's pathology, physiological changes are visible in the cingulate cortex (Minoshima et al. (1997) Annals of Neurology 42:85-94). In subjects with advanced Alzheimer's disease, accumulating plaques damage the neuronal architecture in limbic areas and eventually cripple the memory process.

[0004] Approximately twenty million people worldwide suffer with dementia that results from Alzheimer's disease. The disease can be early onset affecting individuals as young as 30 years of age, or it can be familial or sporadic. Familial Alzheimer's disease was once thought to be inherited strictly as an autosomal dominant trait; however, this view is changing as more genetic determinants are isolated. For example, some normal allelic variants of apolipoprotein E (ApoE), which is found in senile plaques, can either protect against or increase the risk of developing the disease (Strittmatter et al. (1993) Proc Natl Acad Sci 90:1977-1981).

[0005] Mutations in four genes are known to predispose an individual to Alzheimer's disease: ApoE, amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin-1, and presenilin-2 (Selkoe (1999) Nature 399:A23-A31). The e4 allele of the ApoE gene confers increased risk for late onset Alzheimer's disease. β-amyloid protein (Aβ) is the major component of senile plaques, and it is normally formed when β- and γ-secretases cleave APP. In Alzheimer's disease patients, large quantities of Aβ are generated and accumulate extracelluarly in these neuropathological plaques.

[0006] Associations between Alzheimer's disease and many other genes and proteins have been reported. Fetal Alzheimer antigen and synuclein α are found in brain plaques and tangles. Inheritance of some gene polymorphisms is also linked to increased risk of developing the disease. For example, a polymorphism in the gene encoding β2-macroglobulin, a protein that can act as a protease inhibitor, is associated with increased risk for developing a late-onset form of Alzheimer's disease.

[0007] Experiments using microarray technology have provided additional evidence for changes in expression of specific genes in tissues from subjects with Alzheimer's disease. One such gene, Down syndrome critical region 1-like 1 (Mazowiecki et al. (1996) J Biol Chem 271:14567-14571) also named DSCR1L1 (g1435040), was found to be down-regulated more than two-fold in Alzheimer's tissue. DSCR1L1 encodes a thyroid hormone responsive protein and is a member of a gene family that includes DSCR1 (g7657042) and DSCR1L2 (g6017918). The first member of the family cloned, DSCR1, was named based on its proximity to the Down syndrome region of chromosome 21, but the function of the encoded protein and its role in Down syndrome, if any, remains unclear. The defining motifs of this family of proteins include an N-terminal RNA-binding domain, which is similar to those found in many RNA-binding proteins and in some single-stranded DNA-binding proteins, and a central short, unique serine-proline motif that includes an ISPPXSPP box that may be a target for phosphorylation (Fuentes et al. (1995) Hum Mol Genet 4:1935-1944).

[0008] Based on general features of the amino acid sequences, these DSCR1 genes likely encode proteins involved in transcriptional regulation and signal transduction (Strippoli et al. (2000) Genomics 64:252-263). The three genes appear to be differentially expressed: DSCR1 is highly expressed in fetal brain and heart, DSCR1L1 is evident in heart, brain, liver and skeletal muscle, and DSCR1L2 is expressed in most tissues including blood.

[0009] There are several connections between Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome, such as the appearance of enhanced β-amyloid deposits in middle-aged Down syndrome patients. The thyroid hormone responsive properties of DSCR1L1 may be relevant to the role for this gene in Alzheimer's disease and/or Down syndrome: both Alzheimer's and Down's patients have been shown to have disturbances in thyroid hormone metabolism including elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies and reduced levels of prealbumin in the cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer's patients and pronounced subclinical hypothyroidism in Down's patients who have clinical manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (Sutherland et al. (1992) Neurobiol Aging 13:301-312). Conversely, hypothyroid patients display some of the same neurologic symptoms seen in Alzheimer's patients and a history of thyroid dysfunction is considered to be a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease. One possible connection is the discovery that thyroid hormone negatively regulates the transcriptional activity of the APP gene (Belandia et al. (1998) J Biol Chem 273:30366-30371); overexpression of APP has been hypothesized to cause neuronal degeneration by a mechanism involving increased production of β-amyloid protein. The down-regulation of the thyroid responsive DSCR1L1 gene and possibly other DSCR1 genes in Alzheimer's patients also provides a link between Alzheimer's and thyroid hormone function.

[0010] The discovery of Down syndrome critical region 1-like 1 protein, its encoding cDNA, and an antibody that specifically binds the proteins satisfies a need in the art by providing compositions that can be used in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and evaluation of the progression and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, and in particular, Alzheimer's disease.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention presents Down syndrome critical region I-like 1 protein (DSCR1L1α), its encoding cDNA and an antibody that specifically binds DSCR1L1α which can be used in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and evaluation of treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

[0012] The invention provides an isolated cDNA comprising a polynucleotide encoding the protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. The invention also provides isolated cDNAs comprising a polynucleotide having the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 or a variant selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:3-9 and having at least 86% identity to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. The invention further provides a probe that hybridizes to the transcript encoding DSCR1L1α.

[0013] The invention provides a cell transformed with the cDNA encoding DSCR1L1α, a composition comprising the cDNA encoding DSCR1L1α and a labeling moiety; a probe comprising the cDNA encoding DSCR1L1α, an oligonucleotide extending from about nucleotide 1 to about nucleotide 400 of SEQ ID NO:2, an array element comprising the cDNA encoding DSCR1L1α, an oligonucleotide, and a substrate upon which the cDNA encoding DSCR1L1α or a fragment thereof is immobilized. The composition, probe, fragment, array element, oligonucleotide or substrate can be used in methods of detection, screening, and purification. In one aspect, the probe is a single-stranded complementary RNA or DNA molecule.

[0014] The invention provides a vector containing the cDNA encoding DSCR1L1α, a host cell containing the vector, and a method for using the host cell to make DSCR1L1α, the method comprising culturing the host cell under conditions for expression of the protein and recovering the protein so produced from host cell culture. The invention also provides a transgenic cell line or organism comprising the vector containing the cDNA encoding DSCR1L1α.

[0015] The invention provides a method for using a cDNA encoding DSCR1L1α to detect the differential expression of a nucleic acid in a sample comprising hybridizing a probe to the nucleic acids, thereby forming hybridization complexes and comparing hybridization complex formation with a standard, wherein the comparison indicates the differential expression of the cDNA in the sample. In one aspect, the method of detection further comprises amplifying the nucleic acids of the sample prior to hybridization. In a second aspect, the sample is from brain. In a third aspect, comparison to standards is diagnostic of a neurodegenerative disorder.

[0016] The invention provides a method for using a cDNA to screen a library or plurality of molecules or compounds to identify at least one ligand which specifically binds the cDNA, the method comprising combining the cDNA with the molecules or compounds under conditions to allow specific binding and detecting specific binding to the cDNA, thereby identifying a ligand which specifically binds the cDNA. In one aspect, the molecules or compounds are selected from antisense molecules, branched nucleic acids, DNA molecules, peptides, proteins, RNA molecules, and transcription factors. The invention also provides a method for using a cDNA to purify a ligand which specifically binds the cDNA, the method comprising attaching the cDNA to a substrate, contacting the cDNA with a sample under conditions to allow specific binding, and dissociating the ligand from the cDNA, thereby obtaining purified ligand. The invention further provides a method for assessing efficacy or toxicity of a molecule or compound comprising treating a sample containing nucleic acids with the molecule or compound; hybridizing the nucleic acids with the cDNA encoding DSCR1L1α under conditions for hybridization complex formation; determining the amount of complex formation; and comparing the amount of complex formation in the treated sample with the amount of complex formation in an untreated sample, wherein a difference in complex formation indicates the efficacy or toxicity of the molecule or compound.

[0017] The invention provides a purified protein comprising a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. The invention also provides an antigenic epitope extending from residue M1 to about residue S70 of SEQ ID NO:1. The invention additionally provides biologically active peptides extending from residue M1 to about residue S70, from about residue 129 to about residue 199, or from about residue 169 to about residue 176 of SEQ ID NO:1. The invention further provides a variant having at least 92% homology to the protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. The invention still further provides a composition comprising the purified protein and a pharmaceutical carrier, a composition comprising the protein and a labeling moiety, a substrate upon which the protein is immobilized, and an array element comprising the protein. The invention yet further provides a method for detecting expression of a protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 in a sample, the method comprising performing an assay to determine the amount of the protein in a sample; and comparing the amount of protein to standards, thereby detecting expression of the protein in the sample. The invention yet still further provides a method for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease comprising performing an assay to quantify the amount of the protein expressed in a sample and comparing the amount of protein expressed to standards, thereby diagnosing a neurodegenerative disorder, and in particular, Alzheimer's disease. In a one aspect, the assay is selected from antibody or protein arrays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, spatial immobilization such as 2D-PAGE and scintillation counting, high performance liquid chromatography or mass spectrophotometry, radioimmunoassays, and western analysis. In a second aspect, the sample is from brain.

[0018] The invention provides a method for using a protein to screen a library or a plurality of molecules or compounds to identify at least one ligand, the method comprising combining the protein with the molecules or compounds under conditions to allow specific binding and detecting specific binding, thereby identifying a ligand which specifically binds the protein. In one aspect, the molecules or compounds are selected from agonists, antagonists, antibodies, DNA molecules, small drug molecules, immunoglobulins, inhibitors, mimetics, multispecific molecules, peptides, pharmaceutical agents, proteins, and RNA molecules. In another aspect, the ligand is used to treat a subject with a neurodegenerative disorder. The invention also provides an therapeutic antibody that specifically binds the protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. The invention further provides an antagonist which specifically binds the protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. The invention yet further provides a small drug molecule which specifically binds the protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. The invention also provides a method for testing a ligand for effectiveness as an agonist or antagonist comprising exposing a sample comprising the protein to the molecule or compound, and detecting agonist or antagonist activity in the sample.

[0019] The invention provides a method for using a protein to screen a plurality of antibodies to identify an antibody that specifically binds the protein comprising contacting a plurality of antibodies with the protein under conditions to form an antibody:protein complex, and dissociating the antibody from the antibody:protein complex, thereby obtaining antibody that specifically binds the protein. In one aspect the antibodies are selected from intact immunoglobulin molecule, a polyclonal antibody, a monoclonal antibody, a multispecific molecule, a chimeric antibody, a recombinant antibody, a humanized antibody, single chain antibodies, a Fab fragment, an F(ab)₂ fragment, an Fv fragment, and an antibody-peptide fusion protein. The invention provides purified antibodies that specifically bind DSCR1L1α.

[0020] The invention also provides methods for using a protein to prepare and purify polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind the protein. The method for preparing a polyclonal antibody comprises immunizing a animal with protein under conditions to elicit an antibody response, isolating animal antibodies, attaching the protein to a substrate, contacting the substrate with isolated antibodies under conditions to allow specific binding to the protein, dissociating the antibodies from the protein, thereby obtaining purified polyclonal antibodies. The method for preparing a monoclonal antibodies comprises immunizing a animal with a protein under conditions to elicit an antibody response, isolating antibody producing cells from the animal, fusing the antibody producing cells with immortalized cells in culture to form monoclonal antibody producing hybridoma cells, culturing the hybridoma cells, and isolating monoclonal antibodies from culture.

[0021] The invention also provides a method for using an antibody to detect expression of a protein in a sample, the method comprising combining the antibody with a sample under conditions for formation of antibody:protein complexes, and detecting complex formation, wherein complex formation indicates expression of the protein in the sample. In one aspect, the sample is from brain. In a second aspect, complex formation is compared to standards and is diagnostic of a neurodegenerative disorder.

[0022] The invention provides a method for immunopurification of a protein comprising attaching an antibody to a substrate, exposing the antibody to a sample containing the protein under conditions to allow antibody:protein complexes to form, dissociating the protein from the complex, and collecting purified protein. The invention also provides a composition comprising an antibody that specifically binds the protein and a labeling moiety or pharmaceutical agent; a kit comprising the composition; an array element comprising the antibody; and a substrate upon which the antibody is immobilized. The invention further provides a method for using a antibody to assess efficacy of a molecule or compound, the method comprising treating a sample containing protein with a molecule or compound; contacting the protein in the sample with the antibody under conditions for complex formation; determining the amount of complex formation; and comparing the amount of complex formation in the treated sample with the amount of complex formation in an untreated sample, wherein a difference in complex formation indicates efficacy of the molecule or compound.

[0023] The invention provides a method for treating a neurodegenerative disorder comprising administering to a subject in need of therapeutic intervention a therapeutic antibody that specifically binds the protein, and a multispecific molecule that specifically binds the protein, or a composition comprising an antibody that specifically binds the protein and a pharmaceutical agent. The invention also provides a method for delivering a pharmaceutical or therapeutic agent to a cell comprising attaching the pharmaceutical or therapeutic agent to a multispecific molecule that specifically binds the protein and administering the multispecific molecule to a subject in need of therapeutic intervention, wherein the multispecific molecule delivers the pharmaceutical or therapeutic agent to the cell. In one aspect, the protein is active in a neurodegenerative disorder.

[0024] The invention provides an agonist that specifically binds the protein, and a composition comprising the agonist and a pharmaceutical carrier. The invention also provides an antagonist that specifically binds the protein, and a composition comprising the antagonist and a pharmaceutical carrier. The invention further provides a pharmaceutical agent or a small drug molecule that specifically binds the protein.

[0025] The invention provides an antisense molecule of at least 15 nucleotides in length that specifically binds a portion of a polynucleotide having a nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 wherein the antisense molecule inhibits expression of the protein encoded by the polynucleotide. The invention also provides an antisense molecule with at least one modified internucleoside linkage or at least one nucleotide analog. The invention further provides that the modified internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate linkage and that the modified nucleotide analog is a 5-methylcytosine.

[0026] The invention provides a method for inserting a heterologous marker gene into the genomic DNA of a mammal to disrupt the expression of the endogenous polynucleotide. The invention also provides a method for using a cDNA to produce a mammalian model system, the method comprising constructing a vector containing the cDNA selected from SEQ ID NOs:2-9, transforming the vector into an embryonic stem cell, selecting a transformed embryonic stem cell, microinjecting the transformed embryonic stem cell into a mammalian blastocyst, thereby forming a chimeric blastocyst, transferring the chimeric blastocyst into a pseudopregnant dam, wherein the dam gives birth to a chimeric offspring containing the cDNA in its germ line, and breeding the chimeric mammal to produce a homozygous, mammalian model system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0027] FIGS. 1A-1C show the Down syndrome critical region 1-like 1 protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 as encoded by the cDNA having the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 (produced using MACDNASIS PRO software (Hitachi Software Engineering, South San Francisco Calif.).

[0028]FIGS. 2A and 2B demonstrate the chemical and structural similarity among the human DSCR1L1α (SEQ ID NO:1), human DSCR1L1 (g1435040; SEQ ID NO:10), and human DCSR1L2 (g6017919; SEQ ID NO:11). The alignment was produced using the MEGALIGN program (DNASTAR, Madison Wis.).

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] It is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular machines, materials and methods described. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, a reference to “a host cell” includes a plurality of such host cells known to those skilled in the art.

[0030] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All publications mentioned herein are cited for the purpose of describing and disclosing the cell lines, protocols, reagents and vectors which are reported in the publications and which might be used in connection with the invention. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

[0031] Definitions

[0032] “Antibody” refers to intact immunoglobulin molecule, a polyclonal antibody, a monoclonal antibody, a chimeric antibody, a recombinant antibody, a humanized antibody, single chain antibodies, a Fab fragment, an F(ab)₂ fragment, an Fv fragment, and an antibody-peptide fusion protein.

[0033] “Antigenic determinant” refers to an antigenic or immunogenic epitope, structural feature, or region of an oligopeptide, peptide, or protein which is capable of inducing formation of an antibody that specifically binds the protein. Biological activity is not a prerequisite for immunogenicity.

[0034] “Array” refers to an ordered arrangement of at least two cDNAs, proteins, or antibodies on a substrate. At least one of the cDNAs, proteins, or antibodies represents a control or standard, and the other cDNA, protein, or antibody is of diagnostic or therapeutic interest. The arrangement of at least two and up to about 40,000 cDNAs, proteins, or antibodies on the substrate assures that the size and signal intensity of each labeled complex, formed between each cDNA and at least one nucleic acid, each protein and at least one ligand or antibody, or each antibody and at least one protein to which the antibody specifically binds, is individually distinguishable.

[0035] A “cancer” refers to an adenocarcinoma, leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma, myeloma, sarcoma, teratocarcinoma, and tumors of the adrenal gland, bladder, bone, bone marrow, brain, breast, cervix, colon, esophagus, gall bladder, ganglia, heart, kidney, liver, lung, muscle, ovary, pancreas, parathyroid, penis, pituitary gland, prostate, salivary glands, skin, small intestine, spleen, stomach, testis, thymus, thyroid, and uterus.

[0036] The “complement” of a cDNA of the Sequence Listing refers to a nucleic acid molecule which is completely complementary over its full length and which will hybridize to a nucleic acid molecule under conditions of high stringency.

[0037] “cDNA” refers to an isolated polynucleotide, nucleic acid molecule, or any fragment thereof that contains from about 400 to about 12,000 nucleotides. It may have originated recombinantly or synthetically, may be double-stranded or single-stranded, may represent coding and noncoding 3′ or 5′ sequence, and generally lacks introns.

[0038] The phrase “cDNA encoding a protein” refers to a nucleic acid whose sequence closely aligns with sequences that encode conserved regions, motifs or domains identified by employing analyses well known in the art. These analyses include BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool; Altschul (1993) J Mol Evol 36:290-300; Altschul et al. (1990) J Mol Biol 215:403-410) and BLAST2 (Altschul et al. (1997) Nucleic Acids Res 25:3389-3402) which provide identity within the conserved region. Brenner et al. (1998; Proc Natl Acad Sci 95:6073-6078) who analyzed BLAST for its ability to identify structural homologs by sequence identity found 30% identity is a reliable threshold for sequence alignments of at least 150 residues and 40% is a reasonable threshold for alignments of at least 70 residues (Brenner, supra, page 6076, column 2).

[0039] A “composition” refers to the polynucleotide and a labeling moiety; a purified protein and a pharmaceutical carrier or a heterologous, labeling or purification moiety; an antibody and a labeling moiety or pharmaceutical agent; and the like.

[0040] “Derivative” refers to a cDNA or a protein that has been subjected to a chemical modification. Derivatization of a cDNA can involve substitution of a nontraditional base such as queosine or of an analog such as hypoxanthine. These substitutions are well known in the art. Derivatization of a cDNA or a protein can also involve the replacement of a hydrogen by an acetyl, acyl, alkyl, amino, formyl, or morpholino group (for example, 5-methylcytosine). Derivative molecules retain the biological activities of the naturally occurring molecules but may confer longer lifespan or enhanced activity.

[0041] “Differential expression” refers to an increased or upregulated or a decreased or downregulated expression as detected by absence, presence, or at least two-fold change in the amount of messenger RNA or protein in a sample.

[0042] “DSCR1L1α” refers to a purified protein obtained from any mammalian species, including bovine, canine, murine, ovine, porcine, rodent, simian, and preferably the human species, and from any source, whether natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic, or recombinant.

[0043] An “expression profile” is a representation of gene expression in a sample. A nucleic acid expression profile is produced using sequencing, hybridization, or amplification (quantitative PCR) technologies and mRNAs or cDNAs from a sample. A protein expression profile, although time delayed, mirrors the nucleic acid expression profile and may use antibody or protein arrays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, spatial immobilization such as 2D-PAGE in conjunction with a scintillation counter, mass spectrophotometry, or western analysis or affinity chromatography, to detect protein expression in a sample. The nucleic acids, proteins, or antibodies may be used in solution or attached to a substrate, and their detection is based on methods and labeling moieties well known in the art. Expression profiles may also be evaluated by methods such as electronic northern analysis, guilt-by-association, and transcript imaging. Expression profiles produced using any of the above methods may be compared with expression profiles produced using normal or diseased tissues. The correspondence between mRNA and protein expression has been discussed by Zweiger (2001, Transducing the Genome. McGraw-Hill, San Francisco, Calif.) and Glavas et al. (2001; T cell activation upregulates cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases 8A1 and 7A3, Proc Natl Acad Sci 98:6319-6342) among others.

[0044] “Fragment” refers to a chain of consecutive nucleotides from about 50 to about 5000 base pairs in length. Fragments may be used in PCR or hybridization technologies to identify related nucleic acid molecules and in binding assays to screen for a ligand. Such ligands are useful pharmaceutically to regulate replication, transcription or translation.

[0045] “Guilt-by-association” (GBA) is a method for identifying cDNAs or proteins that are associated with a specific disease, regulatory pathway, subcellular compartment, cell type, tissue type, or species by their highly significant co-expression with known markers or therapeutics.

[0046] A “hybridization complex” is formed between a cDNA and a nucleic acid of a sample when the purines of one molecule hydrogen bond with the pyrimidines of the complementary molecule, e.g., 5′-A-G-T-C-3′ base pairs with 3′-T-C-A-G-5′. Hybridization conditions, degree of complementarity and the use of nucleotide analogs affect the efficiency and stringency of hybridization reactions.

[0047] “Identity” as applied to sequences, refers to the quantification (usually percentage) of nucleotide or residue matches between at least two sequences aligned using a standardized algorithm such as Smith-Waterman alignment (Smith and Waterman (1981) J Mol Biol 147:195-197), CLUSTALW (Thompson et al. (1994) Nucleic Acids Res 22:4673-4680), or BLAST2 (Altschul (1997, supra). BLAST2 may be used in a standardized and reproducible way to insert gaps in one of the sequences in order to optimize alignment and to achieve a more meaningful comparison between them. “Similarity” uses the same algorithms but takes conservative substitution of residues into account. In proteins, similarity exceeds identity in that substitution of a valine for a leucine or isoleucine, is counted in calculating the reported percentage. Substitutions which are considered to be conservative are well known in the art.

[0048] “Isolated or “purified” refers to any molecule or compound that is separated from its natural environment and is from about 60% free to about 90% free from other components with which it is naturally associated.

[0049] “Labeling moiety” refers to any reporter molecule including radionuclides, enzymes, fluorescent, chemiluminescent, or chromogenic agents, substrates, cofactors, inhibitors, or magnetic particles than can be attached to or incorporated into a polynucleotide, protein, or antibody. Visible labels and dyes include but are not limited to anthocyanins, β glucuronidase, biotin, BIODIPY, Coomassie blue, Cy3 and Cy5, 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), digoxigenin, fluorescein, FITC, gold, green fluorescent protein, lissamine, luciferase, phycoerythrin, rhodamine, spyro red, silver, streptavidin, and the like. Radioactive markers include radioactive forms of hydrogen, iodine, phosphorous, sulfur, and the like.

[0050] “Ligand” refers to any agent, molecule, or compound which will bind specifically to a polynucleotide or to an epitope of a protein. Such ligands stabilize or modulate the activity of polynucleotides or proteins and may be composed of inorganic and/or organic substances including minerals, cofactors, nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and lipids.

[0051] A “multispecific molecule” has multiple binding specificities, can bind at least two distinct epitopes or molecules, one of which may be a molecule on the surface of a cell. Antibodies can perform as or be a part of a multispecific molecule.

[0052] “Neurodegenerative disorder” refers to conditions, diseases or syndromes in which DSCR1L1α and its encoding polynucleotides are differentially expressed and include Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dementia, Down syndrome, epilepsy, Huntington's disease, Pick's disease and schizophrenia.

[0053] “Oligonucleotide” refers a single-stranded molecule from about 15 to about 60 nucleotides in length which may be used in hybridization or amplification technologies or in regulation of replication, transcription or translation. Equivalent terms are amplicon, amplimer, primer, and oligomer.

[0054] A “pharmaceutical agent” or “therapeutic agent” may be an antibody, an antisense or RNAi molecule, a multispecific molecule, a peptide, a protein, a radionuclide, a small drug molecule, a cytospecific or cytotoxic drug such as abrin, actinomyosin D, cisplatin, crotin, doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate, ricin, vincristine, vinblastine, or any combination of these elements.

[0055] “Post-translational modification” of a protein can involve lipidation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, racemization, proteolytic cleavage, and the like. These processes may occur synthetically or biochemically. Biochemical modifications will vary by cellular location, cell type, pH, enzymatic milieu, and the like.

[0056] “Probe” refers to a cDNA that hybridizes to at least one nucleic acid in a sample. Where targets are single-stranded, probes are complementary single strands. Probes can be labeled with reporter molecules for use in hybridization reactions including Southern, northern, in situ, dot blot, array, and like technologies or in screening assays.

[0057] “Protein” refers to a polypeptide or any portion thereof. A “portion” of a protein refers to that length of amino acid sequence which would retain at least one biological activity, a domain identified by PFAM or PRINTS analysis or an antigenic determinant of the protein identified using Kyte-Doolittle algorithms of the PROTEAN program (DNASTAR, Madison Wis.). An “oligopeptide” is an amino acid sequence from about five residues to about 25 residues that is used as part of a fusion protein to produce an antibody.

[0058] “Sample” is used in its broadest sense and may comprise a bodily fluid such as ascites, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, lymph, semen, sputum, urine and the like; the soluble fraction of a cell preparation, or an aliquot of media in which cells were grown; a chromosome, an organelle, or membrane isolated or extracted from a cell; genomic DNA, RNA, or cDNA in solution or bound to a substrate; a cell; a tissue, a tissue biopsy, or a tissue print; buccal cells, skin, hair, a hair follicle; and the like.

[0059] “Specific binding” refers to a precise interaction between two molecules which is dependent upon their structure, particularly their molecular side groups. For example, the intercalation of a regulatory protein into the major groove of a DNA molecule or the binding between an epitope of a protein and an agonist, antagonist, or antibody.

[0060] “Substrate” refers to any rigid or semi-rigid support to which polynucleotides, proteins, or antibodies are bound and includes magnetic or nonmagnetic beads, capillaries or other tubing, chips, fibers, filters, gels, membranes, plates, polymers, slides, wafers, and microparticles with a variety of surface forms including channels, columns, pins, pores, trenches, and wells.

[0061] A “transcript image” (TI) is a profile of gene transcription activity in a particular tissue at a particular time. TI provides assessment of the relative abundance of expressed polynucleotides in the cDNA libraries of an EST database as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,484, incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] “Variant” refers to molecules that are recognized variations of a protein or the polynucleotides that encode it. Splice variants may be determined by BLAST score, wherein the score is at least 100, and most preferably at least 400. Allelic variants have a high percent identity to the cDNAs and may differ by about three bases per hundred bases. “Single nucleotide polymorphism” (SNP) refers to a change in a single base as a result of a substitution, insertion or deletion. The change may be conservative (purine for purine) or non-conservative (purine to pyrimidine) and may or may not result in a change in an encoded amino acid or its secondary, tertiary, or quaternary structure.

THE INVENTION

[0063] The invention is based on the discovery of Down syndrome critical region 1-like 1 protein, its encoding cDNA, and antibodies that specifically bind DSCR1L1α. These compositions can be used in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and evaluation of progression and treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder, and in particular, Alzheimer's disease. U.S. Ser. No. 09/614,474 filed Jul. 1, 2000 is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

[0064] In one embodiment, the invention encompasses a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. DSCR1L1α has a biologically active, single-stranded nucleic acid-binding domain characterized by positively charged and aromatic amino acids from about residue 129 to about residue 199. This domain is similar to known RNA recognition motifs. In addition, DSCR1L1(X contains the ISPPXSPP box characteristic of DSCR1 proteins from about residue 169 to about residue 176 of SEQ ID NO:1. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, DSCR1L1α shares chemical and structural homology with human DSCR1L1 (g1435040; SEQ ID NO:10), and human DCSR1L2 (g6017919; SEQ ID NO:11). In particular, DSCR1L1α shares 90.3% identity with DSCR1L1 and 57.3% identity with DSCR1L2. All three proteins share the single-stranded nucleic acid-binding; domain and the ISPPXSPP box. SEQ ID NO:1 differs from other DSCR1 family proteins by the first 70 amino acids encoded by the open reading frame, M1 to about residue S70 of SEQ ID NO:1. An antigenic epitope from the region of DSCR1L1α from residue M1 to about amino acid residue S70 would be useful for the production of antibodies to DSCR1L1α which would distinguish between DSCR1L1α and similar proteins.

[0065] Electronic northern analysis shows the expression of DSCR1L1α in various libraries, with the highest abundance in tissues from the nervous system, including tissues associated with schizophrenia, Huntington's disease, epilepsy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Consistent with its observed 2-fold downregulation on microarrays hybridized from subjects with diagnosed Alzheimer's disease (U.S. Ser. No. 09/534,846, filed May 5, 2000, incorporated in its entirety by reference herein), is the absence of DSCR1L1α expression in 7 of 8 libraries from subjects with Alzheimer's disease.

[0066] Transcript images for DSCR1L1α were produced using SEQ ID NO:2 and the LIFESEQ GOLD database (Incyte Genomics, Palo Alto) as described in EXAMPLE IX. The differential expression of DSCR1L1α at the category level is shown in the table below. The first column of the table shows the categories; the second column, the number of cDNAs in the category; the third column, the number of libraries in that category in which at least one transcript was expressed; the fourth column, the abundance or absolute number of transcripts expressed in the libraries; and the fifth column, percent abundance of transcripts expressed. Abun- Category cDNAs Libraries dance % Abundance Cardiovascular 278621 17/78 30  0.0108 Connective Tissue 151680  3/54 5 0.0033 Digestive 572415  14/164 15  0.0026 Embryonic Structures 134983  0/30 0 0    Endocrine 245132  6/73 9 0.0037 Exocrine Glands 298121  6/73 11  0.0037 Female Reproductive 486361  8/123 9 0.0019 Male Reproductive 489837  12/129 20  0.0041 Germ Cells  48479 1/5 1 0.0021 Hemic and Immune 764592  1/191 1 0.0001 Liver 142156  1/42 1 0.0007 Musculoskeletal 177848  6/54 6 0.0034 Nervous 1051758   44/239 84  0.008  Pancreas 115806  3/27 3 0.0026 Respiratory 442179  11/101 14  0.0032 Sense Organs  31671  0/12 0 0    Skin  85255  0/19 0 0    Stomatognathic  14930  1/20 1 0.0067 Unclassified/Mixed 200857  3/27 3 0.0015 Urinary Tract 321635 10/77 18  0.0056

[0067] As can be seen above, SEQ ID NO:2 is most highly expressed in the cardiovascular and nervous system categories. The TI expression profiles for cardiovascular and brain tissues are shown below. In these TIs, the first column shows Library; the second column, cDNAs; the third column, description of the tissue from which the library was made; the fourth column, abundance,; and the fifth column, percent abundance. CARDIOVASCULAR % Library* cDNAs Description Abund Abund LVENNOT02  473 left ventricle, 39 M 2 0.4228 HEARNOT01 1332 heart, 56 M 3 0.2252 CARDNOT01 2433 heart, 65 M 5 0.2055 LVENNOT01 2188 heart, left ventricle, 51 F 4 0.1828 RATRNOT01 1050 heart, right atrium, 51 F 1 0.0952 HEARNOT06 3679 heart, 44 M 3 0.0815 HEALDIT02 4167 left ventricle, mw/ 3 0.072  myocardial infarction, 56 M CARDFEP01 1880 heart, fetal, 8-10 w, 1 0.0532 pool, BI HEARNON03 4901 heart, 44 M, NORM 2 0.0408 LVENNOT03 2777 heart, left ventricle, 31 M 1 0.036  LATRNOT01 3677 heart, left atrium, 51 F 1 0.0272 RATRNOT02 4170 heart, right atrium, 39 M 1 0.024 

[0068] The cardiovascular expression profile show significant expression in normal heart tissues; expression was not significant in any libraries made from tissues from subjects diagnosed with myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, or Pompe's syndrome. BRAIN Library cDNAs Description Abund % Abund BRATNOT06  938 temporal cortex, schizophrenia, aw/COPD, 55 M 1 0.1066 BRAUNOT01 8012 caudate/putamen/nucleus accumbens, aw/CHF, 35 M 6 0.0749 BRAINOM04 3172 brain, frontal cortex, schizophrenic, 34 M, RP, WM/WN 2 0.0631 BRAINOT19 8264 brain, frontal, gliosis, mw/epilepsy, cerebral palsy, 27 M 5 0.0605 BRAMDIT02 1855 medulla, ALS, 74 F 1 0.0539 BRAINOT23 3736 brain, temporal, mw/neuroepithelial tumor, epilepsy, 45M 2 0.0535 HYPONOB01 1995 hypothalamus, 16-75 M/F 1 0.0501 BRATNOT03 4346 temporal cortex, aw/CHF, 35 M 2 0.046  BRAXDIC01 2400 brain, mixed tissues, gliosis, 27,35 M, pool, Ig cDNA 1 0.0417 BRAINOT04 2767 brain, choroid plexus, hemorrhage, 44 M 1 0.0361 BRAZDIT04 2803 brain, striatum/globus pallidus, AD, aw/mets adenoCA, 70 F 1 0.0357 BRAINOT03 5620 brain, mw/oligoastrocytoma, epilepsy, 26 M 2 0.0356 BRAPNOT04 3041 pons, aw/CHF, 35 M 1 0.0329 BRAINON01 12317  brain, mw/oligoastrocytoma, epilepsy, 26 M, NORM 4 0.0325 BRAINOT21 3227 brain, frontal, gliosis, 46 M 1 0.031  BRAINOT12 3305 brain, frontal, polymicrogyria, gliosis, 5 M 1 0.0303 BRAFNOT01 3364 amygdala, aw/CHF, 35 M 1 0.0297 BRAITUP02 17684  brain tumor, glioblastoma, pool, NORM, CGAP 5 0.0283 BRAENOT02 14627  parietal cortex, aw/CHF, 35 M 4 0.0273 BRAINOC01 3856 brain, mixed tissues, aw/CHF, 35 M, pool, lg cDNA 1 0.0259 BRAIHCT01 3899 brain, occipital, Huntington's, mw/CVA, 57 M 1 0.0256 BRADDIT02 4054 choroid plexus, Huntington's, mw/CVA, 57 M 1 0.0247 BRAFNON02 8663 frontal cortex, aw/CHF, 35 M, NORM 2 0.0231 BRAINOM03 4474 brain, 55 M, NORM, WM 1 0.0224 BSTMNON02 9264 brain stem, aw/DMt1, 72 M, NORM 2 0.0216 BRAXTDR15 4945 brain, neocortex, parietal, aw/cholangioCA, 55 F, RP 1 0.0202 BRAINOT14 5189 brain, frontal, mw/astrocytoma, 40 F, m/BRAITUT12 1 0.0193 BRAMNOT01 5193 medulla, aw/CHF, 35 M 1 0.0193 BRATDIC01 5258 brain, temporal, gliosis, mw/epilepsy, 27 M, lg cDNA 1 0.019  BRAHNOT01 5823 hippocampus, aw/CHF, 35 M 1 0.0172 BRAXNOT01 5815 cerebellum, aw/COPD, left ventricular failure, 70 M 1 0.0172 HIPONON02 6050 hippocampus, mw/intracranial hemorrhage, 72 F, NORM 1 0.0165 BRALNOT01 6345 thalamus, aw/CHF, 35 M 1 0.0158 BRAZNOT01 6643 brain, mixed tissues, aw/aortic aneurysm, 45 F 1 0.0151 BRADDIR01 9450 brain, choroid plexus, Huntington's, mw/CVA, 57 M, RP 1 0.0106 BRAXNOT03 9435 brain, sensory-motor cortex, aw/CHF, 35 M 1 0.0106 BRAINOM01 24449  brain, infant, 10wF, NORM, WM 1 0.0041

[0069] The brain expression profile shows expression of SEQ ID NO:2 in various brain tissues with various diagnosed diseases. With a single exception, none of the libraries was made from tissues from a patient diagnosed with AD. In addition, SEQ ID NO:2 was not expressed in the BRABDIK02, BRAHDIT03, BRAHDIT04, BRAHDIT10, BRAINOT10, BRANDIN01, CORPNOT02, or HIPOAZT01 libraries, which include cerebellum, corpus callosum, hippocampus, and pineal gland affected by or associated with the diagnosis of AD. This TI is entirely consistent with and reconfirms the microarray data presented in U.S. Ser. No. 09/534,846, that SEQ ID NO:2 is differentially expressed in and diagnostic of AD.

[0070] A probe from about nucleotide 1 to about nucleotide 400 of SEQ ID NO:2 are useful for identifying naturally occurring molecules encoding DSCR1L1α and its allelic variants. SEQ ID NOs:3-9 represent mammalian variants of the polynucleotide having the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 as identified using BLAST2, with default parameters, against the ZOOSEQ databases (Incyte Genomics). These preferred variants have from about 86% to about 94% identity over the length of the nucleotide alignment and are shown in the table below. The first column of the table shows the SEQ ID NO; the second column, the Incyte ID (clone or template number); the third column, the species; the fourth column, the percent identity to SEQ ID NO:2; and the fifth column, the nucleotide alignment between each sequence fragment and SEQ ID NO:2 using that latter as the reference sequence. SEQ ID Incyte ID Species % Identity Nt Alignment 3 219435.1 rat 86, 87 443-954, 1040-1212 4 271176.1 rat 91 1323-1461 5 291862.1 rat 94, 86 2419-2517, 2158-2299 6 299263.1 rat 86, 89 668-794, 884-954 7 219652.1 rat 89, 90 1683-1765, 1593-1644 8 206751.1 rat 82 734-837 9 702110167H1 monkey 94 218-274

[0071] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code, a multitude of cDNAs encoding DSCR1L1α, some bearing minimal similarity to the cDNAs of any known and naturally occurring gene, may be produced. Thus, the invention contemplates each and every possible variation of cDNA that could be made by selecting combinations based on possible codon choices. These combinations are made in accordance with the standard triplet genetic code as applied to the polynucleotides encoding naturally occurring DSCR1L1α, and all such variations are to be considered as being specifically disclosed.

[0072] Characterization and Use of the Invention

[0073] cDNA Libraries

[0074] In a particular embodiment disclosed herein, mRNA is isolated from mammalian cells and tissues using methods which are well known to those skilled in the art and used to prepare the cDNA libraries. The Incyte cDNAs were isolated from mammalian cDNA libraries prepared as described in the EXAMPLES I-III. The consensus sequence is present in a single clone insert, or chemically assembled, based on the electronic assembly from sequenced fragments including Incyte cDNAs and extension and/or shotgun sequences. Computer programs, such as PHRAP (Green, supra) and the AUTOASSEMBLER application (Applied Biosystems (ABI), Foster City Calif.) are used in sequence assembly and are described in EXAMPLE VI. After verification of the 5′ and 3′ sequence, at least one representative cDNA which encodes DSCR1L1α is designated a reagent for research and development.

[0075] Sequencing

[0076] Methods for sequencing nucleic acids are well known in the art and may be used to practice any of the embodiments of the invention. These methods employ enzymes such as the Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I, SEQUENASE, Taq DNA polymerase and thermostable T7 DNA polymerase (Amersham Biosciences (APB), Piscataway N.J.), or combinations of polymerases and proofreading exonucleases (Invitrogen, Carlsbad Calif.). Sequence preparation is automated with machines such as the MICROLAB 2200 system (Hamilton, Reno Nev.) and the DNA ENGINE thermal cycler (MJ Research, Watertown Mass.) and sequencing, with the PRISM 3700, 377 or 373 DNA sequencing systems (ABI) or the MEGABACE 1000 DNA sequencing system (APB).

[0077] After sequencing, sequence fragments are assembled to obtain and verify the sequence of the full length cDNA. The full length sequence usually resides in a single clone insert which may contain up to 5000 bases. Since sequencing reactions generally reveal no more than 700 bases per reaction, it is more often than not necessary to carry out several sequencing reactions, and procedures such as shotgun sequencing or PCR extension, in order to obtain the full length sequence.

[0078] Shotgun sequencing involves randomly breaking the original insert into segments of various sizes and cloning these fragments into vectors. The fragments are sequenced and reassembled using overlapping ends until the entire sequence of the original insert is known. Shotgun sequencing methods are well known in the art and use thermostable DNA polymerases, heat-labile DNA polymerases, and primers chosen from representative regions flanking the cDNAs of interest. Incomplete assembled sequences are inspected for identity using various algorithms or programs such as CONSED (Gordon (1998) Genome Res 8:195-202) which are well known in the art.

[0079] PCR-based methods may be used to extend the sequences of the invention. PCR extension is described in EXAMPLE IV.

[0080] The nucleic acid sequences of the cDNAs presented in the Sequence Listing were prepared by automated methods and may contain occasional sequencing errors and unidentified nucleotides, designated with an N, that reflect state-of-the-art technology at the time the cDNA was sequenced. Vector, linker, and polyA sequences were masked using algorithms and programs based on BLAST, dynamic programming, and dinucleotide nearest neighbor analysis. Ns and SNPs can be verified either by resequencing the cDNA or using algorithms to compare multiple sequences that overlap the area in which the Ns or SNP occur. Both of these techniques are well known to and used by those skilled in the art. The sequences may be analyzed using a variety of algorithms described in Ausubel et al. (1997; Short Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, New York N.Y., unit 7.7) and in Meyers (1995; Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Wiley VCH, New York N.Y., pp. 856-853).

[0081] Hybridization

[0082] The cDNA and fragments thereof can be used in hybridization technologies for various purposes. A probe may be designed or derived from unique regions such as the 5′ regulatory region or from a nonconserved region (i.e., 5′ or 3′ of the nucleotides encoding the conserved catalytic domain of the protein) and used in protocols to identify naturally occurring molecules encoding DSCR1L1α, allelic variants, or related molecules. The probe may be DNA or RNA, may be single-stranded, and should have at least 50% sequence identity to any of the nucleic acid sequences, SEQ ID NOs:1-29. Hybridization probes may be produced using oligolabeling, nick-translation, end-labeling, or PCR amplification in the presence of a reporter molecule. A vector containing the cDNA or a fragment thereof may be used to produce an mRNA probe in vitro by addition of an RNA polymerase and labeled nucleotides. These procedures may be conducted using kits such as those provided by APB.

[0083] The stringency of hybridization is determined by G+C content of the probe, salt concentration, and temperature. In particular, stringency can be increased by reducing the concentration of salt or raising the hybridization temperature. Hybridization techniques are well known in the art, have been described in Example VII, and are reviewed in Ausubel (sura) and Sambrook et al. (1989) Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Plainview N.Y.

[0084] Arrays may be prepared and analyzed using methods well known in the art. Oligonucleotides or cDNAs may be used as hybridization probes or targets to monitor the expression level of large numbers of genes simultaneously or to identify genetic variants, mutations, and single nucleotide polymorphisms. Arrays may be used to determine gene function; to understand the genetic basis of or to diagnose a condition, disease, or disorder; and to develop and monitor the activities of therapeutic agents. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,796; Schena et al. (1996) Proc Natl Acad Sci 93:10614-10619; Heller et al. (1997) Proc Natl Acad Sci 94:2150-2155; U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,662.

[0085] Hybridization probes are also useful in mapping the naturally occurring genomic sequence. The probes may be hybridized to a particular chromosome, a specific region of a chromosome, or an artificial chromosome construction. Such constructions include human artificial chromosomes, yeast artificial chromosomes, bacterial artificial chromosomes, bacterial P1 constructions, or the cDNAs of libraries made from single chromosomes.

[0086] QPCR

[0087] QPCR is a method for quantifying a nucleic acid molecule based on detection of a fluorescent signal produced during PCR amplification (Gibson et al. (1996) Genome Res 6:995-1001; Heid et al. (1996) Genome Res 6:986-994). Amplification is carried out on machines such as the PRISM 7700 detection system (ABI) which consists of a 96-well thermal cycler connected to a laser and charge-coupled device (CCD) optics system. To perform QPCR, a PCR reaction is carried out in the presence of a doubly labeled probe. The probe, which is designed to anneal between the standard forward and reverse PCR primers, is labeled at the 5′ end by a fluorogenic reporter dye such as 6-carboxyfluorescein (6-FAM) and at the 3′ end by a quencher molecule such as 6-carboxy-tetramethyl-rhodamine (TAMRA). As long as the probe is intact, the 3′ quencher extinguishes fluorescence by the 5′ reporter. However, during each primer extension cycle, the annealed probe is degraded as a result of the intrinsic 5′ to 3′ nuclease activity of Taq polymerase (Holland et al. (1991) Proc Natl Acad Sci 88:7276-7280). This degradation separates the reporter from the quencher, and fluorescence is detected every few seconds by the CCD. The higher the starting copy number of the nucleic acid, the sooner an increase in fluorescence is observed. A cycle threshold (CT) value, representing the cycle number at which the PCR product crosses a fixed threshold of detection is determined by the instrument software. The CT is inversely proportional to the copy number of the template and can therefore be used to calculate either the relative or absolute initial concentration of the nucleic acid molecule in the sample. The relative concentration of two different molecules can be calculated by determining their respective CT values (comparative CT method). Alternatively, the absolute concentration of the nucleic acid molecule can be calculated by constructing a standard curve using a housekeeping molecule of known concentration. The process of calculating CT values, preparing a standard curve, and determining starting copy number is performed using SEQUENCE DETECTOR 1.7 software (ABI).

[0088] Expression

[0089] Any one of a multitude of cDNAs encoding DSCR1L1α may be cloned into a vector and used to express the protein, or portions thereof, in host cells. The nucleic acid sequence can be engineered by such methods as DNA shuffling (U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,721) and site-directed mutagenesis to create new restriction sites, alter glycosylation patterns, change codon preference to increase expression in a particular host, produce splice variants, extend half-life, and the like. The expression vector may contain transcriptional and translational control elements (promoters, enhancers, specific initiation signals, and polyadenylated 3′ sequence) from various sources which have been selected for their efficiency in a particular host. The vector, cDNA, and regulatory elements are combined using in vitro recombinant DNA techniques, synthetic techniques, and/or in vivo genetic recombination techniques well known in the art and described in Sambrook (sura, ch. 4, 8, 16 and 17).

[0090] A variety of host systems may be transformed with an expression vector. These include, but are not limited to, bacteria transformed with recombinant bacteriophage, plasmid, or cosmid DNA expression vectors; yeast transformed with yeast expression vectors; insect cell systems transformed with baculovirus expression vectors or plant cell systems transformed with expression vectors containing viral and/or bacterial elements (Ausubel supra, unit 16). In mammalian cell systems, an adenovirus transcriptional/translational complex may be utilized. After sequences are ligated into the E1 or E3 region of the viral genome, the infective virus is used to transform and express the protein in host cells. The Rous sarcoma virus enhancer or SV40 or EBV-based vectors may also be used for high-level protein expression.

[0091] Routine cloning, subcloning, and propagation of nucleic acid sequences can be achieved using the multifunctional pBLUESCRIPT vector (Stratagene, La Jolla Calif.) or pSPORTl plasmid (Invitrogen). Introduction of a nucleic acid sequence into the multiple cloning site of these vectors disrupts the lacZ gene and allows colorimetric screening for transformed bacteria. In addition, these vectors may be useful for in vitro transcription, dideoxy sequencing, single strand rescue with helper phage, and creation of nested deletions in the cloned sequence.

[0092] For long term production of recombinant proteins, the vector can be stably transformed into cell lines along with a selectable or visible marker gene on the same or on a separate vector. After transformation, cells are allowed to grow for about 1 to 2 days in enriched media and then are transferred to selective media. Selectable markers, antimetabolite, antibiotic, or herbicide resistance genes, confer resistance to the relevant selective agent and allow growth and recovery of cells which successfully express the introduced sequences. Resistant clones identified either by survival on selective media or by the expression of visible markers may be propagated using culture techniques. Visible markers are also used to estimate the amount of protein expressed by the introduced genes. Verification that the host cell contains the desired cDNA is based on DNA-DNA or DNA-RNA hybridizations or PCR amplification.

[0093] The host cell may be chosen for its ability to modify a recombinant protein in a desired fashion. Such modifications include acetylation, carboxylation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, lipidation, acylation and the like. Post-translational processing which cleaves a “prepro” form may also be used to specify protein targeting, folding, and/or activity. Different host cells which have specific cellular machinery and characteristic mechanisms for post-translational activities may be chosen to ensure the correct modification and processing of the recombinant protein.

[0094] Recovery of Proteins from Cell Culture

[0095] Heterologous moieties engineered into a vector for ease of purification include glutathione S-transferase (GST), 6×His, FLAG, MYC, and the like. GST and 6-His are purified using affinity matrices such as immobilized glutathione and metal-chelate resins, respectively. FLAG and MYC are purified using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. For ease of separation following purification, a sequence encoding a proteolytic cleavage site may be part of the vector located between the protein and the heterologous moiety. Methods for recombinant protein expression and purification are discussed in Ausubel (supra, unit 16).

[0096] Protein Identification

[0097] Several techniques have been developed which permit rapid identification of proteins using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS). Beginning with a sample containing proteins, the method is: 1) proteins are separated using electrophoresis, 2) selected proteins are excised from the gel and digested with a protease to produce a set of peptides; and 3) the peptides are subjected to HPLC to analyze amino acid content or MS to derive peptide ion mass and spectral pattern information. The MS information is used to identify the protein by comparing it with information in a protein database (Shevenko et al. (1996) Proc Natl Acad Sci 93:14440-14445).

[0098] Proteins are separated using isoelectric focusing (IEF) in the first dimension followed by SDS-PAGE in the second dimension. For IEF, an immobilized pH gradient strip is useful to increase reproducibility and resolution of the separation. Alternative techniques may be used to improve resolution of very basic, hydrophobic, or high molecular weight proteins. The separated proteins are detected using a stain or dye such as silver stain, Coomassie blue, or spyro red (Molecular Probes, Eugene Oreg.) that is compatible with MS. Gels may be blotted onto a PVDF membrane for western analysis and optically scanned using a STORM scanner (APB) to produce a computer-readable output which is analyzed by pattern recognition software such as MELANIE (GeneBio, Geneva, Switzerland). The software annotates individual spots by assigning a unique identifier and calculating their respective x,y coordinates, molecular masses, isoelectric points, and signal intensity. Individual spots of interest, such as those representing differentially expressed proteins, are excised and proteolytically digested with a site-specific protease such as trypsin or chymotrypsin, singly or in combination, to generate a set of small peptides, preferably in the range of 1-2 kDa. Prior to digestion, samples may be treated with reducing and alkylating agents, and following digestion, the peptides are then separated by liquid chromatography or capillary electrophoresis and analyzed using MS.

[0099] MS converts components of a sample into gaseous ions, separates the ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio, and determines relative abundance. For peptide mass fingerprinting analysis, a MALDI-TOF (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight), ESI (Electrospray Ionization), and TOF-TOF (Time of Flight/Time of Flight) machines are used to determine a set of highly accurate peptide masses. Using analytical programs, such as TURBOSEQUEST software (Finnigan, San Jose Calif.), the MS data is compared against a database of theoretical MS data derived from known or predicted proteins. A minimum match of three peptide masses is used for reliable protein identification. If additional information is needed for identification, Tandem-MS may be used to derive information about individual peptides. In tandem-MS, a first stage of MS is performed to determine individual peptide masses. Then selected peptide ions are subjected to fragmentation using a technique such as collision induced dissociation (CID) to produce an ion series. The resulting fragmentation ions are analyzed in a second round of MS, and their spectral pattern may be used to determine a short stretch of amino acid sequence (Dancik et al. (1999) J Comput Biol 6:327-342). Assuming the, protein is represented in the database, a combination of peptide mass and fragmentation data, together with the calculated MW and pI of the protein, will usually yield an unambiguous identification. If no match is found, protein sequence can be obtained using direct chemical sequencing procedures well known in the art (cf. Creighton (1984) Proteins, Structures and Molecular Properties, W H Freeman, New York N.Y.).

[0100] Chemical Synthesis of Peptides

[0101] Proteins or portions thereof may be produced not only by recombinant methods, but also by using chemical methods well known in the art. Solid phase peptide synthesis may be carried out in a batchwise or continuous flow process which sequentially adds a-amino- and side chain-protected amino acid residues to an insoluble polymeric support via a linker group. A linker group such as methylamine-derivatized polyethylene glycol is attached to poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) to form the support resin. The amino acid residues are N-a-protected by acid labile Boc (t-butyloxycarbonyl) or base-labile Fmoc (9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl). The carboxyl group of the protected amino acid is coupled to the amine of the linker group to anchor the residue to the solid phase support resin. Trifluoroacetic acid or piperidine are used to remove the protecting group in the case of Boc or Fmoc, respectively. Each additional amino acid is added to the anchored residue using a coupling agent or pre-activated amino acid derivative, and the resin is washed. The full length peptide is synthesized by sequential deprotection, coupling of derivitized amino acids, and washing with dichloromethane and/or N,N-dimethylformamide. The peptide is cleaved between the peptide carboxy terminus and the linker group to yield a peptide acid or amide. (Novabiochem 1997/98 Catalog and Peptide Synthesis Handbook, San Diego Calif. pp. S1-S20). Automated synthesis may also be carried out on machines such as the 431A peptide synthesizer (ABI). A protein or portion thereof may be purified by preparative HPLC and its composition confirmed by amino acid analysis or by sequencing (Creighton, supra)

[0102] Antibodies

[0103] Antibodies, or immunoglobulins (Ig), are components of immune response expressed on the surface of or secreted into the circulation by B cells. The prototypical antibody is a tetramer composed of two identical heavy polypeptide chains (H-chains) and two identical light polypeptide chains (L-chains) interlinked by disulfide bonds which binds and neutralizes foreign antigens. Based on their H-chain, antibodies are classified as IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG or IgM. The most common class, IgG, is tetrameric while other classes are variants or multimers of the basic structure.

[0104] Antibodies are described in terms of their two functional domains. Antigen recognition is mediated by the Fab (antigen binding fragment) region of the antibody, while effector functions are mediated by the Fc (crystallizable fragment) region. The binding of antibody to antigen triggers destruction of the antigen by phagocytic white blood cells such as macrophages and neutrophils. These cells express surface Fc receptors that specifically bind to the Fc region of the antibody and allow the phagocytic cells to destroy antibody-bound antigen. Fc receptors are single-pass transmembrane glycoproteins' containing about 350 amino acids whose extracellular portion typically contains two or three Ig domains (Sears et al. (1990) J Immunol 144:371-378).

[0105] Preparation and Screening of Antibodies

[0106] Various hosts including mice, rats, rabbits, goats, llamas, camels, and human cell lines may be immunized by injection with an antigenic determinant. Adjuvants such as Freund's, mineral gels, and surface active substances such as lysolecithin, pluronic polyols, polyanions, peptides, oil emulsions, keyhole limpet hemacyanin (KLH; Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis Mo.), and dinitrophenol may be used to increase immunological response. In humans, BCG (bacilli Calmette-Guerin) and Corynebacterium parvum increase response. The antigenic determinant may be an oligopeptide, peptide, or protein. When the amount of antigenic determinant allows immunization to be repeated, specific polyclonal antibody with high affinity can be obtained (Klinman and Press (1975) Transplant Rev 24:41-83). Oligopepetides which may contain between about five and about fifteen amino acids identical to a portion of the endogenous protein may be fused with proteins such as KLH in order to produce antibodies to the chimeric molecule.

[0107] Monoclonal antibodies may be prepared using any technique which provides for the production of antibodies by continuous cell lines in culture. These include the hybridoma technique, the human B-cell hybridoma technique, and the EBV-hybridoma technique (Kohler et al. (1975) Nature 256:495-497; Kozbor et al. (1985) J Immunol Methods 81:31-42; Cote et al. (1983) Proc Natl Acad Sci 80:2026-2030; and Cole et al. (1984) Mol Cell Biol 62:109-120).

[0108] Chimeric antibodies may be produced by techniques such as splicing of mouse antibody genes to human antibody genes to obtain a molecule with appropriate antigen specificity and biological activity (Morrison et al. (1984) Proc Natl Acad Sci 81:6851-6855; Neuberger et al. (1984) Nature 312:604-608; and Takeda et al. (1985) Nature 314:452-454). Alternatively, techniques described for antibody production may be adapted, using methods known in the art, to produce specific, single chain antibodies. Antibodies with related specificity, but of distinct idiotypic composition, may be generated by chain shuffling from random combinatorial immunoglobulin libraries (Burton (1991) Proc Natl Acad Sci 88:10134-10137). Antibody fragments which contain specific binding sites for an antigenic determinant may also be produced. For example, such fragments include, but are not limited to, F(ab)₂ fragments produced by pepsin digestion of the antibody molecule and Fab fragments generated by reducing the disulfide bridges of the F(ab′)₂ fragments. Alternatively, Fab expression libraries may be constructed to allow rapid and easy identification of monoclonal Fab fragments with the desired specificity (Huse et al. (1989) Science 246:1275-1281).

[0109] Antibodies may also be produced by inducing production in the lymphocyte population or by screening immunoglobulin libraries or panels of highly specific binding reagents as disclosed in Orlandi et al. (1989; Proc Natl Acad Sci 86:3833-3837) or Winter et al. (1991; Nature 349:293-299). A protein may be used in screening assays of phagemid or B-lymphocyte immunoglobulin libraries to identify antibodies having a desired specificity. Numerous protocols for competitive binding or immunoassays using either polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies with established specificities are well known in the art.

[0110] Antibody Specificity

[0111] Various methods such as Scatchard analysis combined with radioimmunoassay techniques may be used to assess the affinity of particular antibodies for a protein. Affinity is expressed as an association constant, K_(a), which is defined as the molar concentration of protein-antibody complex divided by the molar concentrations of free antigen and free antibody under equilibrium conditions. The K_(a) determined for a preparation of polyclonal antibodies, which are heterogeneous in their affinities for multiple antigenic determinants, represents the average affinity, or avidity, of the antibodies. The K_(a) determined for a preparation of monoclonal antibodies, which are specific for a particular antigenic determinant, represents a true measure of affinity. High-affinity antibody preparations with K_(a) ranging from about 10⁹ to 10¹² L/mole are commonly used in immunoassays in which the protein-antibody complex must withstand rigorous manipulations. Low-affinity antibody preparations with K_(a) ranging from about 10⁶ to 10⁷ L/mole are preferred for use in immunopurification and similar procedures which ultimately require dissociation of the protein, preferably in active form, from the antibody (Catty. (1988) Antibodies, Volume I: A Practical Approach, IRL Press, Washington D.C.; Liddell and Cryer (1991) A Practical Guide to Monoclonal Antibodies, John Wiley & Sons, New York N.Y.).

[0112] The titer and avidity of polyclonal antibody preparations may be further evaluated to determine the quality and suitability of such preparations for certain downstream applications. For example, a polyclonal antibody preparation containing about 5-10 mg specific antibody/ml, is generally employed in procedures requiring precipitation of protein-antibody complexes. Procedures for making antibodies, evaluating antibody specificity, titer, and avidity, and guidelines for antibody quality and usage in various applications, are discussed in Catty (supra) and Ausubel (supra) pp. 11.1-11.31.

[0113] Diagnostics

[0114] Differential expression of DSCR1L1α or its encoding polynucleotides and at least one of the assays below can be used to diagnose neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease or to monitor mRNA or protein levels during therapeutic intervention. Antibodies which specifically bind DSCR1L1α can also be used to diagnose these disorders.

[0115] Expression Profiles

[0116] An expression profile comprises the expression of a plurality of cDNAs or proteins as measured using standard assays with a sample. The cDNAs, proteins or antibodies of the invention may be used as elements in the assay to produce the expression profile. In one embodiment, an array upon which the elements are immobilized is used to diagnose, stage or monitor the progression or treatment of a disorder.

[0117] For example, the cDNAs, proteins or antibodies may be labeled using standard methods and added to a biological sample from a patient under conditions for the complex formation. After an incubation period, the sample is washed, and the amount of label (or signal) associated with each complexes is quantified and compared with a standard value. If the amount of complex formation in the patient sample is altered in comparison to normal or disease standards, then complex formation can be used to indicate the presence of a disorder.

[0118] In order to provide standards for establishing differential expression, normal and disease profiles are established. This is accomplished by combining a sample taken from a normal subject, either animal or human, with a cDNA under conditions for complex formation to occur. Standard complex formation may be quantified by comparing the values obtained using samples from normal subjects with values from an experiment in which a known amount of a purified control is used. Standard values obtained in this manner may be compared with values obtained from samples from patients who were diagnosed with a particular disorder. Deviation from standard values toward those associated with a particular disorder is used to diagnose or stage that disorder.

[0119] By analyzing changes in patterns of gene expression, a disorder can be diagnosed earlier, sometimes even before the patient is symptomatic. The invention can be used to formulate a prognosis and to design a treatment regimen. The invention can also be used to monitor the efficacy of treatment or to establish a dosage that causes a change in the expression profile indicative of successful treatment. For treatments with known side effects, the expression profile is employed to improve the treatment regimen so that expression patterns associated with the onset of undesirable side effects are avoided. This approach may be more sensitive and rapid than waiting for the patient to show inadequate improvement, or to manifest side effects, before altering the course of treatment.

[0120] In another embodiment, animal models which mimic a human disease can be used to create expression profiles associated with an active condition, disease, or disorder or treatment of the condition, disease, or disorder. Novel treatment regimens may be tested in these animal models using an expression profile over time. In addition, an expression profile may be used with cell cultures or tissues removed from animal models to rapidly screen large numbers of candidate drug molecules, looking for ones that produce an expression profile similar to those of known therapeutic drugs, with the expectation that molecules with the same expression profile will likely have similar therapeutic effects. Thus, the invention provides the means to rapidly determine the molecular mode of action of a drug.

[0121] Such expression profiles may also be used to evaluate the efficacy of a particular therapeutic treatment regimen in animal studies or in clinical trials or to monitor the treatment of an individual patient. Once the presence of a condition is established and a treatment protocol is initiated, expression may be analyzed on a regular basis to determine if the level of expression in the patient begins to approximate that which is observed in a normal subject. The results obtained from successive assays may be used to show the efficacy of treatment over a period ranging from several days to years.

[0122] Nucleic Acid Assays

[0123] The cDNAs, fragments, oligonucleotides, complementary RNAs, and peptide nucleic acids (PNA) may be used to detect and quantify differential gene expression for diagnosis of a disorder. Similarly antibodies which specifically bind the protein may be used to quantitate the protein. Breast cancer is associated with such differential expression. The diagnostic assay may use hybridization or amplification technology to compare gene expression in a biological sample from a patient to standard samples in order to detect differential gene expression. Qualitative or quantitative methods for this comparison are well known in the art.

[0124] Protein and Antibody Assays

[0125] Immunological methods for detecting and measuring complex formation as a measure of protein expression using either specific polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies are known in the art. Examples of such techniques include antibody or protein arrays, ELISA, FACS, spatial immobilization such as 2D-PAGE and SC, HPLC or MS, RIAs and western analysis. Such immunoassays typically involve the measurement of complex formation between the protein and its specific antibody. These assays and their quantitation against purified, labeled standards are well known in the art (Ausubel, supra, unit 10.1-10.6). A two-site, monoclonal-based immunoassay utilizing antibodies reactive to two non-interfering epitopes is preferred, but a competitive binding assay may be employed (Pound (1998) Immunochemical Protocols, Humana Press, Totowa N.J.).

[0126] These methods are also useful for diagnosing diseases that show differential protein expression. Normal or standard values for protein expression are established by combining body fluids or cell extracts taken from a normal mammalian or human subject with specific antibodies to a protein under conditions for complex formation. Standard values for complex formation in normal and diseased tissues are established by various methods, often photometric means. Then complex formation as it is expressed in a subject sample is compared with the standard values. Deviation from the normal standard and toward the diseased standard provides parameters for disease diagnosis or prognosis while deviation away from the diseased and toward the normal standard may be used to evaluate treatment efficacy.

[0127] Recently, antibody arrays have allowed the development of techniques for high-throughput screening of recombinant antibodies. Such methods use robots to pick and grid bacteria containing antibody genes, and a filter-based ELISA to screen and identify clones that express antibody fragments. Because liquid handling is eliminated and the clones are arrayed from master stocks, the same antibodies can be spotted multiple times and screened against multiple antigens simultaneously. Antibody arrays are highly useful in the identification of differentially expressed proteins. See de Wildt et al. (2000) Nature Biotechnol 18:989-94.

[0128] Therapeutics

[0129] Chemical and structural similarity, e.g., in the context of the RNA-binding domain and the conserved serine/proline motif, exist between regions of the SEQ ID NO:2 and other DSCR1 family proteins such as human DSCR1, human DSCR1L1 (g1435040), and human DSCR1L2 (g6017919). In addition, gene expression is closely associated with nervous system tissues and appears to play a role in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dementia, Down syndrome, epilepsy, Huntington's disease, Pick's disease and schizophrenia. In the treatment of conditions associated with increased expression or activity, it is desirable to decrease expression or protein activity. In the treatment of conditions associated with decreased expression or activity, it is desirable to increase expression or protein activity.

[0130] In one embodiment, DSCR1L1α, or a portion or derivative thereof, may be administered to a subject in need of such treatment. Treatment and the monitoring of such treatment is associated with the differential expression or activity of the protein in a subject with a neurodegenerative condition including, but are not limited to, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, Down syndrome, Huntington's disease and Pick's disease.

[0131] In the treatment of the above disorders in which it is desirable to increase expression or activity, a pharmaceutical agent such as an agonist, transcription factor or a small drug molecule that increases the expression or activity of the protein may be administered to the subject. In another embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition comprising an agonist, transcription factor or a small drug molecule and a pharmaceutical carrier may be administered to a subject to treat decreased expression or activity associated with the endogenous protein. In one aspect, an antibody that specifically binds DSCR1L1α can act as a carrier to effect delivery of the pharmaceutical agent or composition. In an additional embodiment, a vector expressing the encoding cDNA, or fragments thereof, may be administered to a subject to treat the disorder. Any of the cDNAs, complementary molecules, or fragments thereof, proteins or portions thereof, vectors delivering these nucleic acid molecules or expressing the proteins, antibodies, and ligands binding the cDNA or protein may be administered in combination with other therapeutic agents. Selection of the agents for use in combination therapy may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art according to conventional pharmaceutical principles. A combination of therapeutic agents may act synergistically to affect treatment of a particular disorder at a lower dosage of each agent.

[0132] Modification of Gene Expression Using Nucleic Acids

[0133] Gene expression may be modified by designing complementary or antisense molecules (DNA, RNA, or PNA) to the control, 5′, 3′, or other regulatory regions of the gene encoding DSCR1L1α. Oligonucleotides designed to inhibit transcription initiation are preferred. Similarly, inhibition can be achieved using triple helix base-pairing which inhibits the binding of polymerases, transcription factors, or regulatory molecules (Gee et al. In: Huber and Carr (1994) Molecular and Immunologic Approaches, Futura Publishing, Mt. Kisco N.Y., pp. 163-177). A complementary molecule may also be designed to block translation by preventing binding between ribosomes and mRNA. In one alternative, a library or plurality of cDNAs may be screened to identify those which specifically bind a regulatory, nontranslated sequence.

[0134] Ribozymes, enzymatic RNA molecules, may also be used to catalyze the specific cleavage of RNA. The mechanism of ribozyme action involves sequence-specific hybridization of the ribozyme molecule to complementary target RNA followed by endonucleolytic cleavage at sites such as GUA, GUU, and GUC. Once such sites are identified, an oligonucleotide with the same sequence may be evaluated for secondary structural features which would render the oligonucleotide inoperable. The suitability of candidate targets may also be evaluated by testing their hybridization with complementary oligonucleotides using ribonuclease protection assays.

[0135] Complementary nucleic acids and ribozymes of the invention may be prepared via recombinant expression, in vitro or in vivo, or using solid phase phosphoramidite chemical synthesis. In addition, RNA molecules may be modified to increase intracellular stability and half-life by addition of flanking sequences at the 5′ and/or 3′ ends of the molecule or by the use of phosphorothioate or 2′ O-methyl rather than phosphodiesterase linkages within the backbone of the molecule. Modification is inherent in the production of PNAs and can be extended to other nucleic acid molecules. Either the inclusion of nontraditional bases such as inosine, queosine, and wybutosine, or the modification of adenine, cytidine, guanine, thymine, and uridine with acetyl-, methyl-, thio-groups renders the molecule more resistant to endogenous endonucleases.

[0136] RNA Interference

[0137] RNA interference (RNAi), also known as double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-induced gene silencing, is a method of interfering with the transcription of specific mRNAs through the production of small RNAs (siRNAs) and short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs). These RNAs are naturally formed in a multicomponent nuclease complex (RISC) in the presence of an RNAse III family nuclease (Dicer), and they serve as a guide to identify and destroy complementary transcripts. Transient infection of cells with RNAs capable of interference can bypass the need for Dicer and result in silencing of a gene for the lifespan of the introduced RNAs, usually from about 2 to about 7 days. See Paddison and Hannon (2002) Cancer Cell 2:17-23.

[0138] The RNAi pathway is believed to have evolved in early eukaryotes as a cell-based immunity against viral and genetic parasites. It is considered, however, to have great potential as a method for identifying gene function, particularly in neurodegenerative disorders, and for providing a highly specific means for treating such disorders.

[0139] Nucleic Acid-Based Therapeutics

[0140] The nucleic acids of the invention can be used in gene therapy. cDNAs can be delivered ex vivo to target cells, such as cells of bone marrow. Once stable integration and transcription and or translation are confirmed, the bone marrow may be reintroduced into the subject. Expression of the protein encoded by the nucleic acid may correct a disorder associated with mutation of a normal sequence, reduction or loss of an endogenous target protein, or overepression of an endogenous or mutant protein. Alternatively, cDNAs may be delivered in vivo using vectors such as retrovirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, herpes simplex virus, and bacterial plasmids. Non-viral methods of gene delivery include cationic liposomes, polylysine conjugates, artificial viral envelopes, and direct injection of DNA (Anderson (1998) Nature 392:25-30; Dachs et al. (1997) Oncol Res 9:313-325; Chu et al. (1998) J Mol Med 76(3-4):184-192; Weiss et al. (1999) Cell Mol Life Sci 55(3):334-358; Agrawal (1996) Antisense Therapeutics, Humana Press, Totowa N.J.; and August et al. (1997) Gene Therapy (Advances in Pharmacology, Vol. 40), Academic Press, San Diego Calif.).

[0141] Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutics

[0142] Antibodies, and in particular monoclonal antibodies, that specifically bind a particular protein, enzyme, or receptor and block its overexpression are now being used therapeutically. The first widely accepted therapeutic antibody was HERCEPTIN (Trastuzumab, Genentech, S. San Francisco Calif.). HERCEPTIN is a humanized antibody approved for the treatment of HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer. It is designed to bind and block the function of overexpressed HER2 protein. Other monoclonal antibodies are in various stages of clinical trials for indications such as prostate cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, pneumococcal infections, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and the like.

[0143] Screening and Purification Assays

[0144] A cDNA encoding DSCR1L1α may be used to screen a library or a plurality of molecules or compounds for specific binding affinity. The libraries may be antisense molecules, artificial chromosome constructions, branched nucleic acid molecules, DNA molecules, peptides, peptide nucleic acid, proteins such as transcription factors, enhancers, or repressors, RNA molecules, ribozymes, and other ligands which regulate the activity, replication, transcription, or translation of the endogenous gene. The assay involves combining a polynucleotide with a library or plurality of molecules or compounds under conditions allowing specific binding, and detecting specific binding to identify at least one molecule which specifically binds the cDNA.

[0145] In one embodiment, the cDNA of the invention may be incubated with a plurality of purified molecules or compounds and binding activity determined by methods well known in the art, e.g., a gel-retardation assay (U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,849) or a reticulocyte lysate transcriptional assay. In another embodiment, the cDNA may be incubated with nuclear extracts from biopsied and/or cultured cells and tissues. Specific binding between the cDNA and a molecule or compound in the nuclear extract is initially determined by gel shift assay and may be later confirmed by recovering and raising antibodies against that molecule or compound. When these antibodies are added into the assay, they cause a supershift in the gel-retardation assay.

[0146] In another embodiment, the cDNA may be used to purify a molecule or compound using affinity chromatography methods well known in the art. In one embodiment, the cDNA is chemically reacted with cyanogen bromide groups on a polymeric resin or gel. Then a sample is passed over and reacts with or binds to the cDNA. The molecule or compound which is bound to the cDNA may be released from the cDNA by increasing the salt concentration of the flow-through medium and collected.

[0147] In a further embodiment, the protein or a portion thereof may be used to purify a ligand from a sample. A method for using a protein to purify a ligand would involve combining the protein with a sample under conditions to allow specific binding, detecting specific binding between the protein and ligand, recovering the bound protein, and using a chaotropic agent to separate the protein from the purified ligand.

[0148] In a preferred embodiment, DSCR1L1α may be used to screen a plurality of molecules or compounds in any of a variety of screening assays. The portion of the protein employed in such screening may be free in solution, affixed to an abiotic or biotic substrate (e.g. borne on a cell surface), or located intracellularly. For example, in one method, viable or fixed prokaryotic host cells that are stably transformed with recombinant nucleic acids that have expressed and positioned a peptide on their cell surface can be used in screening assays. The cells are screened against a plurality or libraries of ligands, and the specificity of binding or formation of complexes between the expressed protein and the ligand can be measured. Depending on the particular kind of molecules or compounds being screened, the assay may be used to identify agonists, antagonists, antibodies, DNA molecules, small drug molecules, immunoglobulins, inhibitors, mimetics, peptides, peptide nucleic acids, proteins, and RNA molecules or any other ligand, which specifically binds the protein.

[0149] In one aspect, this invention contemplates a method for high throughput screening using very small assay volumes and very small amounts of test compound as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,946, incorporated herein by reference. This method is used to screen large numbers of molecules and compounds via specific binding. In another aspect, this invention also contemplates the use of competitive drug screening assays in which neutralizing antibodies capable of binding the protein specifically compete with a test compound capable of binding to the protein. Molecules or compounds identified by screening may be used in a mammalian model system to evaluate their toxicity or therapeutic potential.

[0150] Pharmaceutical Compositions

[0151] Pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated and administered, to a subject in need of such treatment, to attain a therapeutic effect. Such compositions contain the instant protein, agonists, antagonists, small drug molecules, immunoglobulins, inhibitors, mimetics, multispecific molecules, peptides, peptide nucleic acids, pharmaceutical agent, proteins, and RNA molecules. Compositions may be manufactured by conventional means such as mixing, dissolving, granulating, dragee-making, levigating, emulsifying, encapsulating, entrapping, or lyophilizing. The composition may be provided as a salt, formed with acids such as hydrochloric, sulfuric, acetic, lactic, tartaric, malic, and succinic, or as a lyophilized powder which may be combined with a sterile buffer. such as saline, dextrose, or water. These compositions may include auxiliaries or excipients which facilitate processing of the active compounds.

[0152] Auxiliaries and excipients may include coatings, fillers or binders including sugars such as lactose, sucrose, mannitol, glycerol, or sorbitol; starches from corn, wheat, rice, or potato; proteins such as albumin, gelatin and collagen; cellulose in the form of hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, methyl cellulose, or sodium carboxymethylcellulose; gums including arabic and tragacanth; lubricants such as magnesium stearate or talc; disintegrating or solubilizing agents such as the, agar, alginic acid, sodium alginate or cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone; stabilizers such as carbopol gel, polyethylene glycol, or titanium dioxide; and dyestuffs or pigments added for identify the product or to characterize the quantity of active compound or dosage.

[0153] These compositions may be administered by any number of routes including oral, intravenous, intramuscular, intra-arterial, intramedullary, intrathecal, intraventricular, transdermal, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intranasal, enteral, topical, sublingual, or rectal.

[0154] The route of administration and dosage will determine formulation; for example, oral administration may be accomplished using tablets, pills, dragees, capsules, liquids, gels, syrups, slurries, or suspensions; parenteral administration may be formulated in aqueous, physiologically compatible buffers such as Hanks' solution, Ringer's solution, or physiologically buffered saline. Suspensions for injection may be aqueous, containing viscous additives such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose or dextran to increase the viscosity, or oily, containing lipophilic solvents such as sesame oil or synthetic fatty acid esters such as ethyl oleate or triglycerides, or liposomes. Penetrants well known in the art are used for topical or nasal administration.

[0155] Toxicity and Therapeutic Efficacy

[0156] A therapeutically effective dose refers to the amount of active ingredient which ameliorates symptoms or condition. For any compound, a therapeutically effective dose can be estimated from cell culture assays using normal and neoplastic cells or in animal models. Therapeutic efficacy, toxicity, concentration range, and route of administration may be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures using experimental animals.

[0157] The therapeutic index is the dose ratio between therapeutic and toxic effects—LD50 (the dose lethal to 50% of the population)/ED50 (the dose therapeutically effective in 50% of the population)—and large therapeutic indices are preferred. Dosage is within a range of circulating concentrations, includes an ED50 with little or no toxicity, and varies depending upon the composition, method of delivery, sensitivity of the patient, and route of administration. Exact dosage will be determined by the practitioner in light of factors related to the subject in need of the treatment.

[0158] Dosage and administration are adjusted to provide active moiety that maintains therapeutic effect. Factors for adjustment include the severity of the disease state, general health of the subject, age, weight, and gender of the subject, diet, time and frequency of administration, drug combination(s), reaction sensitivities, and tolerance/response to therapy. Long-acting pharmaceutical compositions may be administered every 3 to 4 days, every week, or once every two weeks depending on half-life and clearance rate of the particular composition.

[0159] Normal dosage amounts may vary from 0.1 μg, up to a total dose of about 1 g, depending upon the route of administration. The dosage of a particular composition may be lower when administered to a patient in combination with other agents, drugs, or hormones. Guidance as to particular dosages and methods of delivery is provided in the pharmaceutical literature. Further details on techniques for formulation and administration may be found in the latest edition of Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (Mack Publishing, Easton Pa.).

[0160] Model Systems

[0161] Animal models may be used as bioassays where they exhibit a phenotypic response similar to that of humans and where exposure conditions are relevant to human exposures. Mammals are the most common models, and most infectious agent, cancer, drug, and toxicity studies are performed on rodents such as rats or mice because of low cost, availability, lifespan, gestation period, numbers of progeny, and abundant reference literature. Inbred and outbred rodent strains provide a convenient model for investigation of the physiological consequences of under- or over-expression of genes of interest and for the development of methods for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. A mammal inbred to over-express a particular gene (for example, secreted in milk) may also serve as a convenient source of the protein expressed by that gene.

[0162] Toxicology

[0163] Toxicology is the study of the effects of agents on living systems. The majority of toxicity studies are performed on rats or mice. Observation of qualitative and quantitative changes in physiology, behavior, homeostatic processes, and lethality in the rats or mice are used to generate a toxicity profile and to assess consequences on human health following exposure to the agent.

[0164] Genetic toxicology identifies and analyzes the effect of an agent on the rate of endogenous, spontaneous, and induced genetic mutations. Genotoxic agents usually have common chemical or physical properties that facilitate interaction with nucleic acids and are most harmful when chromosomal aberrations are transmitted to progeny. Toxicological studies may identify agents that increase the frequency of structural or functional abnormalities in the tissues of the progeny if administered to either parent before conception, to the mother during pregnancy, or to the developing organism. Mice and rats are most frequently used in these tests because their short reproductive cycle allows the production of the numbers of organisms needed to satisfy statistical requirements.

[0165] Acute toxicity tests are based on a single administration of an agent to the subject to determine the symptomology or lethality of the agent. Three experiments are conducted: 1) an initial dose-range-finding experiment, 2) an experiment to narrow the range of effective doses, and 3) a final experiment for establishing the dose-response curve.

[0166] Subchronic toxicity tests are based on the repeated administration of an agent. Rat and dog are commonly used in these studies to provide data from species in different families. With the exception of carcinogenesis, there is considerable evidence that daily administration of an agent at high-dose concentrations for periods of three to four months will reveal most forms of toxicity in adult animals.

[0167] Chronic toxicity tests, with a duration of a year or more, are used to test whether long term administration may elicit toxicity, teratogenesis, or carcinogenesis. When studies are conducted on rats, a minimum of three test groups plus one control group are used, and animals are examined and monitored at the outset and at intervals throughout the experiment.

[0168] Transgenic Animal Models

[0169] Transgenic rodents that over-express or under-express a gene of interest may be inbred and used to model human diseases or to test therapeutic or toxic agents. (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,175,383 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,767,337.) In some cases, the introduced gene may be activated at a specific time in a specific tissue type during fetal or postnatal development. Expression of the transgene is monitored by analysis of phenotype, of tissue-specific mRNA expression, or of serum and tissue protein levels in transgenic animals before, during, and after challenge with experimental drug therapies.

[0170] Embryonic Stem Cells

[0171] Embryonic (ES) stem cells isolated from rodent embryos retain the ability to form embryonic tissues. When ES cells are placed inside a carrier embryo, they resume normal development and contribute to tissues of the live-born animal. ES cells are the preferred cells used in the creation of experimental knockout and knockin rodent strains. Mouse ES cells, such as the mouse 129/SvJ cell line, are derived from the early mouse embryo and are grown under culture conditions well known in the art. Vectors used to produce a transgenic strain contain a disease gene candidate and a marker gene, the latter serves to identify the presence of the introduced disease gene. The vector is transformed into ES cells by methods well known in the art, and transformed ES cells are identified and microinjected into mouse cell blastocysts such as those from the C57BL/6 mouse strain. The blastocysts are surgically transferred to pseudopregnant dams, and the resulting chimeric progeny are genotyped and bred to produce heterozygous or homozygous strains.

[0172] ES cells derived from human blastocysts may be manipulated in vitro to differentiate into at least eight separate cell lineages. These lineages are used to study the differentiation of various cell types and tissues in vitro, and they include endoderm, mesoderm, and ectodermal cell types which differentiate into, for example, neural cells, hematopoietic lineages, and cardiomyocytes.

[0173] Knockout Analysis

[0174] In gene knockout analysis, a region of a gene is enzymatically modified to include a non-mammalian gene such as the neomycin phosphotransferase gene (neo; Capecchi (1989) Science 244:1288-1292). The modified gene is transformed into cultured ES cells and integrates into the endogenous genome by homologous recombination. The inserted sequence disrupts transcription and translation of the endogenous gene. Transformed cells are injected into rodent blastulae, and the blastulae are implanted into pseudopregnant dams. Transgenic progeny are crossbred to obtain homozygous inbred lines which lack a functional copy of the mammalian gene. In one example, the mammalian gene is a human gene.

[0175] Knockin Analysis

[0176] ES cells can be used to create knockin humanized animals (pigs) or transgenic animal models (mice or rats) of human diseases. With knockin technology, a region of a human gene is injected into animal ES cells, and the human sequence integrates into the animal cell genome. Transformed cells are injected into blastulae and the blastulae are implanted as described above. Transgenic progeny or inbred lines are studied and treated with pharmaceutical agents to obtain information on treatment of the analogous human condition. These methods have been used to model several human diseases.

[0177] Non-Human Primate Model

[0178] The field of animal testing deals with data and methodology from basic sciences such as physiology, genetics, chemistry, pharmacology and statistics. These data are paramount in evaluating the effects of therapeutic agents on non-human primates as they can be related to human health. Monkeys are used as human surrogates in vaccine and drug evaluations, and their responses are relevant to human exposures under similar conditions. Cynomolgus and Rhesus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis and Macaca mulatta, respectively) and Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are the most common non-human primates (NHPs) used in these investigations. Since great cost is associated with developing and maintaining a colony of NHPs, early research and toxicological studies are usually carried out in rodent models. In studies using behavioral measures such as drug addiction, NHPs are the first choice test animal. In addition, NHPs and individual humans exhibit differential sensitivities to many drugs and toxins and can be classified as a range of phenotypes from “extensive metabolizers” to “poor metabolizers” of these agents.

[0179] In additional embodiments, the cDNAs which encode DSCR1L1α may be used in any molecular biology techniques that have yet to be developed, provided the new techniques rely on properties of cDNAs that are currently known, including, but not limited to, such properties as the triplet genetic code and specific base pair interactions.

EXAMPLES

[0180] The examples below are provided to illustrate the subject invention and are not included for the purpose of limiting the invention. For purposes of example, the preparation of the human hippocampal cDNA libraries, HIPONOT01, and a normalized library, HIPONON02, prepared from HIPONOT01 are described.

[0181] I Representative cDNA Preparation

[0182] HIPONOT01 cDNA Library

[0183] The human hippocampal cDNA library, HIPONOT01, was constructed from tissue obtained from the hippocampus of a 72-year-old Caucasian female who died from an intracranial hemorrhage. The frozen tissue was homogenized and lysed in TRIZOL reagent (1 g tissue/10 ml reagent; Invitrogen), using a POLYTRON homogenizer (Brinkmann Instruments, Westbury N.Y.). Following homogenization, chloroform was added (1:5 v/v), and the lysate was centrifuged. The aqueous layer was removed, and the RNA was precipitated with isopropanol. The RNA was resuspended in DEPC-treated water and digested with DNAse I (Invitrogen) for 25 min at 37C. The RNA was re-extracted with acid phenol-chloroform, pH 4.7, and precipitated using 0.3M sodium acetate and 2.5 volumes ethanol.

[0184] Messenger RNA (mRNA) was isolated using the OLIGOTEX kit (Qiagen, Valencia Calif.) and used to construct the cDNA library. The mRNA was handled according to the recommended protocols in the SUPERSCRIPT plasmid system (Invitrogen) which contains a NotI primer-adaptor designed to prime the first strand cDNA synthesis at the poly(A) tail of mRNAs. Double stranded cDNA was blunted, ligated to EcoRI adaptors, and digested with NotI (New England Biolabs, Beverly Mass.). The cDNAs were fractionated on a SEPHAROSE CL-2B column (APB), and those cDNAs exceeding 800 bp were ligated into the NotI and EcoRI sites of the pSPORT1 plasmid (Invitrogen). The plasmid was transformed into competent DH5α cells (Life Technologies) or ELECTROMAX DH10B cells (Invitrogen).

[0185] HIPONOT02 cDNA Library

[0186] For purposes of example, the normalization of a hippocampal library, HIPONON02, is described. About 1.13×10⁶ independent clones of the HIPONOT01 plasmid library in E. coli strain DH12S competent cells (Invitrogen) were grown in liquid culture under carbenicillin (25 mg/l) and methicillin (1 mg/ml) selection following transformation by electroporation. To reduce the number of excess cDNA copies according to their abundance levels in the library, the cDNA library was then normalized in a single round according to the procedure of Soares et al. (1994, Proc Natl Acad Sci 91:9228-9232), with the following modifications. The primer to template ratio in the primer extension reaction was increased from 2:1 to 10:1. The ddNTP concentration in the reaction was reduced to 150 μM for each ddNTP to allow the generation of longer (400-1000 bases) primer extension products, and the reannealing hybridization was extended from 13 to 48 hr. The single stranded DNA circles of the normalized library were purified by hydroxyapatite chromatography and converted to partially double-stranded by random priming, followed by electroporation into E. coli strain DH10B competent cells (Invitrogen).

[0187] II Construction of pINCY Plasmid

[0188] The plasmid was constructed by digesting the pSPORT1 plasmid (Invitrogen) with EcoRI restriction enzyme (New England Biolabs, Beverly Mass.) and filling the overhanging ends using Klenow enzyme (New England Biolabs) and 2′-deoxynucleotide 5′-triphosphates (dNTPs). The plasmid was self-ligated and transformed into the bacterial host, E. coli strain JM109.

[0189] An intermediate plasmid produced by the bacteria (pSPORT 1-ΔRI), which showed no digestion with EcoRI, was digested with Hind III (New England Biolabs) and the overhanging ends were filled in with Klenow and dNTPs. A linker sequence was phosphorylated, ligated onto the 5′ blunt end, digested with EcoRI, and self-ligated. Following transformation into JM109 host cells, plasmids were isolated and tested for preferential digestibility with EcoRI, but not with Hind III. A single colony that met this criteria was designated pINCY plasmid.

[0190] After testing the plasmid for its ability to incorporate cDNAs from a library prepared using NotI and EcoRI restriction enzymes, several clones were sequenced; and a single clone containing an insert of approximately 0.8 kb was selected from which to prepare a large quantity of the plasmid. After digestion with NotI and EcoRI, the plasmid was isolated on an agarose gel and purified using a QIAQUICK column (Qiagen) for use in library construction.

[0191] III Isolation and Sequencing of cDNA Clones

[0192] Plasmid DNA was released from the cells and purified using either the MINIPREP kit (Edge Biosystems, Gaithersburg Md.) or the REAL PREP 96 plasmid kit (Qiagen). This kit enabled the simultaneous purification of 960 samples in a 96-well block using multi-channel reagent dispensers. The recommended protocol was employed except for the following changes: 1) the bacteria were cultured in 1 ml of sterile TERRIFIC BROTH (BD Biosciences, San Jose Calif.) with carbenicillin at 25 mg/L and glycerol at 0.4% for 19 hours; 2) the cells were lysed with 0.3 ml of lysis buffer; and 3) following isopropanol precipitation, the plasmid DNA pellet was resuspended in 0.1 ml of distilled water. After the last step in the protocol, samples were transferred to a 96-well block for storage at 4C.

[0193] The cDNAs were prepared for sequencing using a MICROLAB 2200 system (Hamilton) in combination with DNA ENGINE thermal cyclers (MJ Research). The cDNAs were sequenced by the method of Sanger and Coulson (1975; J Mol Biol 94:441-448) using PRISM 373 or 377 sequencing systems (ABI) or the MEGABACE 1000 DNA sequencing system (APB). Most of the isolates were sequenced using standard ABI protocols and kits with solution volumes of 0.25×-1.0×concentrations. In the alternative, cDNAs were sequenced using APB solutions and dyes. Reading frames were determined using standard methods, and some of the cDNA sequences were selected for extension using the techniques disclosed below.

[0194] IV Extension of cDNA Sequences

[0195] The cDNAs were extended using the cDNA clone and oligonucleotide primers. One primer was synthesized to initiate 5′ extension of the known fragment, and the other, to initiate 3′ extension of the known fragment. The initial primers were designed LASERGENE software (DNASTAR) to be about 22 to 30 nucleotides in length, to have a GC content of about 50% or more, and to anneal to the target sequence at temperatures of about 68C to about 72C. Any stretch of nucleotides that would result in hairpin structures and primer-primer dimerizations was avoided.

[0196] Selected cDNA libraries were used as templates to extend the sequence. If more than one extension was necessary, additional or nested sets of primers were designed. Preferred libraries have been size-selected to include larger cDNAs and random primed to contain more sequences with 5′ or upstream regions of genes. Genomic libraries are used to obtain regulatory elements, especially extension into the 5′ promoter binding region.

[0197] High fidelity amplification was obtained by PCR using methods such as that taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,451. PCR was performed in 96-well plates using the DNA ENGINE thermal cycler (MJ Research). The reaction mix contained DNA template, 200 mmol of each primer, reaction buffer containing Mg²⁺, (NH₄)₂SO₄, and β-mercaptoethanol, Taq DNA polymerase (APB), ELONGASE enzyme (Invitrogen), and Pfu DNA polymerase (Stratagene), with the following parameters for primer pair PCI A and PCI B (Incyte Genomics): Step 1: 94C, three min; Step 2: 94C, 15 sec; Step 3: 60C, one min; Step 4: 68C, two min; Step 5: Steps 2, 3, and 4 repeated 20 times; Step 6: 68C, five min; Step 7: storage at 4C. In the alternative, the parameters for primer pair T7 and SK+ (Stratagene) were as follows: Step 1: 94C, three min; Step 2: 94C, 15 sec; Step 3: 57C, one min; Step 4: 68C, two min; Step 5: Steps 2, 3, and 4 repeated 20 times; Step 6: 68C, five min; Step 7: storage at 4C.

[0198] The concentration of DNA in each well was determined by dispensing 100 μl PICOGREEN quantitation reagent (0.25% reagent in 1×TE, v/v; Molecular Probes) and 0.5 μl of undiluted PCR product into each well of an opaque fluorimeter plate (Corning Life Sciences, Acton Mass.) and allowing the DNA to bind to the reagent. The plate was scanned in a Fluoroskan II (Labsystems Oy) to measure the fluorescence of the sample and to quantify the concentration of DNA. A 5 μl to 10 μl aliquot of the reaction mixture was analyzed by electrophoresis on a 1% agarose mini-gel to determine which reactions were successful in extending the sequence.

[0199] The extended clones were desalted, concentrated, transferred to 384-well plates, digested with CviJI cholera virus endonuclease (Molecular Biology Research, Madison Wis.), and sonicated or sheared prior to religation into pUC18 vector (APB). For shotgun sequences, the digested nucleotide sequences were separated on low concentration (0.6 to 0.8%) agarose gels, fragments were excised, and the agar was digested with AGARACE enzyme (Promega). Extended clones were religated using T4 DNA ligase (New England Biolabs) into pUC18 vector (APB), treated with Pfu DNA polymerase (Stratagene) to fill-in restriction site overhangs, and transfected into E. coli competent cells. Transformed cells were selected on antibiotic-containing media, and individual colonies were picked and cultured overnight at 37C in 384-well plates in LB/2×carbenicillin liquid media.

[0200] The cells were lysed, and DNA was amplified using primers, Taq DNA polymerase (APB) and Pfu DNA polymerase (Stratagene) with the following parameters: Step 1: 94C, three min; Step 2: 94C, 15 sec; Step 3: 60C, one min; Step 4: 72C, two min; Step 5: steps 2, 3, and 4 repeated 29 times; Step 6: 72C, five min; Step 7: storage at 4C. DNA was quantified using PICOGREEN quantitative reagent (Molecular Probes) as described above. Samples with low DNA recoveries were reamplified using the conditions described above. Samples were diluted with 20% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO; 1:2, v/v), and sequenced using DYENAMIC energy transfer sequencing primers and the DYENAMIC DIRECT cycle sequencing kit (APB) or the PRISM BIGDYE terminator cycle sequencing kit (ABI).

[0201] V Homology Searching of cDNA Clones and Their Deduced Proteins

[0202] The cDNAs of the Sequence Listing or their deduced amino acid sequences were used to query databases such as GenBank, SwissProt, BLOCKS, and the like. These databases that contain previously identified and annotated sequences or domains were searched using BLAST or BLAST 2 (Altschul et al. supra; Altschul, supra) to produce alignments and to determine which sequences were exact matches or homologs. The alignments were to sequences of prokaryotic (bacterial) or eukaryotic (animal, fungal, or plant) origin. Alternatively, algorithms such as the one described in Smith and Smith (1992, Protein Engineering 5:35-51) could have been used to deal with primary sequence patterns and secondary structure gap penalties. All of the sequences disclosed in this application have lengths of at least 49 nucleotides, and no more than 12% uncalled bases (where N is recorded rather than A, C, G, or T).

[0203] As detailed in Karlin (supra), BLAST matches between a query sequence and a database sequence were evaluated statistically and only reported when they satisfied the threshold of 10⁻²⁵ for nucleotides and 10⁻¹⁴ for peptides. Homology was also evaluated by product score calculated as follows: the % nucleotide or amino acid identity [between the query and reference sequences] in BLAST is multiplied by the % maximum possible BLAST score [based on the lengths of query and reference sequences] and then divided by 100. In comparison with hybridization procedures used in the laboratory, the electronic stringency for an exact match was set at 70, and the conservative lower limit for an exact match was set at approximately 40 (with 1-2% error due to uncalled bases).

[0204] The BLAST software suite, freely available sequence comparison algorithms (NCBI, Bethesda Md.), includes various sequence analysis programs including “blastn” that is used to align nucleic acid molecules and BLAST 2 that is used for direct pairwise comparison of either nucleic or amino acid molecules. BLAST programs are commonly used with gap and other parameters set to default settings, e.g.: Matrix: BLOSUM62; Reward for match: 1; Penalty for mismatch: −2; Open Gap: 5 and Extension Gap: 2 penalties; Gap x drop-off: 50; Expect: 10; Word Size: 11; and Filter: on. Identity is measured over the entire length of a sequence or some smaller portion thereof. Brenner et al. (1998; Proc Natl Acad Sci 95:6073-6078, incorporated herein by reference) analyzed the BLAST for its ability to identify structural homologs by sequence identity and found 30% identity is a reliable threshold for sequence alignments of at least 150 residues and 40%, for alignments of at least 70 residues.

[0205] The mammalian cDNAs of this application were compared with assembled consensus sequences or templates found in the LIFESEQ GOLD database. Component sequences from cDNA, extension, full length, and shotgun sequencing projects were subjected to PHRED analysis and assigned a quality score. All sequences with an acceptable quality score were subjected to various pre-processing and editing pathways to remove low quality 3′ ends, vector and linker sequences, polyA tails, Alu repeats, mitochondrial and ribosomal sequences, and bacterial sequences. Edited sequences had to be at least 50 bp in length, and low-information sequences and repetitive elements such as dinucleotide repeats, Alu repeats, and the like, were replaced by “Ns” or masked.

[0206] Edited sequences were subjected to assembly procedures in which the sequences were assigned to gene bins. Each sequence could only belong to one bin, and sequences in each bin were assembled to produce a template. Newly sequenced components were added to existing bins using BLAST and CROSSMATCH. To be added to a bin, the component sequences had to have a BLAST quality score greater than or equal to 150 and an alignment of at least 82% local identity. The sequences in each bin were assembled using PHRAP. Bins with several overlapping component sequences were assembled using DEEP PHRAP. The orientation of each template was determined based on the number and orientation of its component sequences.

[0207] Bins were compared to one another and those having local similarity of at least 82% were combined and reassembled. Bins having templates with less than 95% local identity were split. Templates were subjected to analysis by STITCHER/EXON MAPPER algorithms that analyze the probabilities of the presence of splice variants, alternatively spliced exons, splice junctions, differential expression of alternative spliced genes across tissue types or disease states, and the like. Assembly procedures were repeated periodically, and templates were annotated using BLAST against GenBank databases such as GBpri. An exact match was defined as having from 95% local identity over 200 base pairs through 100% local identity over 100 base pairs and a homolog match as having an E-value (or probability score) of ≦1×10⁻⁸. The templates were also subjected to frameshift FASTx against GENPEPT, and homolog match was defined as having an E-value of ≦1×10⁻⁸. Template analysis and assembly was described in U.S. Ser. No. 09/276,534, filed Mar. 25, 1999.

[0208] Following assembly, templates were subjected to BLAST, motif, and other functional analyses and categorized in protein hierarchies using methods described in U.S. Ser. No. 08/812,290 and U.S. Ser. No. 08/811,758, both filed Mar. 6, 1997; in U.S. Ser. No. 08/947,845, filed Oct. 9, 1997; and in U.S. Ser. No. 09/034,807, filed Mar. 4, 1998. Then templates were analyzed by translating each template in all three forward reading frames and searching each translation against the PFAM database of hidden Markov model-based protein families and domains using the HMMER software package (Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Mo.).

[0209] The cDNA was further analyzed using MACDNASIS PRO software (Hitachi Software Engineering), and LASERGENE software (DNASTAR) and queried against public databases such as the GenBank rodent, mammalian, vertebrate, prokaryote, and eukaryote databases, SwissProt, BLOCKS, PRINTS, PFAM, and Prosite.

[0210] VI Chromosome Mapping

[0211] Radiation hybrid and genetic mapping data available from public resources such as the Stanford Human Genome Center (SHGC), Whitehead Institute for Genome Research (WIGR), and Genethon are used to determine if any of the cDNAs presented in the Sequence Listing have been mapped. Any of the fragments of the cDNA encoding DSCR1L1α that have been mapped result in the assignment of all related regulatory and coding sequences mapping to the same location. The genetic map locations are described as ranges, or intervals, of human chromosomes. The map position of an interval, in cM (which is roughly equivalent to 1 megabase of human DNA), is measured relative to the terminus of the chromosomal p-arm.

[0212] VII Complementary Molecules

[0213] Molecules complementary to the cDNA, from about 5 to about 5000 bp, are used to detect or inhibit gene expression. These molecules are selected using LASERGENE software (DNASTAR). Detection is described in Example VII. To inhibit transcription by preventing promoter binding, the complementary molecule is designed to bind to the most unique 5′ sequence and includes nucleotides of the 5′ UTR upstream of the initiation codon of the open reading frame. Complementary molecules include genomic sequences (such as enhancers or introns) and are used in “triple helix” base pairing to compromise the ability of the double helix to open sufficiently for the binding of polymerases, transcription factors, or regulatory molecules. To inhibit translation, a complementary molecule is designed to prevent ribosomal binding to the mRNA encoding the mammalian protein.

[0214] Complementary molecules are placed in expression vectors and used to transform a cell line to test efficacy; into an organ, tumor, synovial cavity, or the vascular system for transient or short term therapy; or into a stem cell, zygote, or other reproducing lineage for long term or stable gene therapy. Transient expression lasts for a month or more with a non-replicating vector and for three months or more if appropriate elements for inducing vector replication are used in the transformation/expression system.

[0215] Stable transformation of appropriate dividing cells with a vector encoding the complementary molecule produces a transgenic cell line, tissue, or organism (U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,866). Those cells that assimilate and replicate sufficient quantities of the vector to allow stable integration also produce enough complementary molecules to compromise or entirely eliminate activity of the cDNA encoding the mammalian protein.

[0216] VIII Hybridization Technologies and Analyses

[0217] Immobilization of cDNAs on a Substrate

[0218] The cDNAs are applied to a substrate by one of the following methods. A mixture of cDNAs is fractionated by gel electrophoresis and transferred to a nylon membrane by capillary transfer. Alternatively, the cDNAs are individually ligated to a vector and inserted into bacterial host cells to form a library. The cDNAs are then arranged on a substrate by one of the following methods. In the first method, bacterial cells containing individual clones are robotically picked and arranged on a nylon membrane. The membrane is placed on LB agar containing selective agent (carbenicillin, kanamycin, ampicillin, or chloramphenicol depending on the vector used) and incubated at 37C for 16 hr. The membrane is removed from the agar and consecutively placed colony side up in 10% SDS, denaturing solution (1.5 M NaCl, 0.5 M NaOH), neutralizing solution (1.5 M NaCl, 1 M Tris, pH 8.0), and twice in 2×SSC for 10 min each. The membrane is then UV irradiated in a STRATALINKER UV-crosslinker (Stratagene).

[0219] In the second method, cDNAs are amplified from bacterial vectors by thirty cycles of PCR using primers complementary to vector sequences flanking the insert. PCR amplification increases a starting concentration of 1-2 ng nucleic acid to a final quantity greater than 5 μg. Amplified nucleic acids from about 400 bp to about 5000 bp in length are purified using SEPHACRYL-400 beads (APB). Purified nucleic acids are arranged on a nylon membrane manually or using a dot/slot blotting manifold and suction device and are immobilized by denaturation, neutralization, and UV irradiation as described above. Purified nucleic acids are robotically arranged and immobilized on polymer-coated glass slides using the procedure described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,522. Polymer-coated slides are prepared by cleaning glass microscope slides (Corning Life Sciences) by ultrasound in 0.1% SDS and acetone, etching in 4% hydrofluoric acid (VWR Scientific Products, West Chester Pa.), coating with 0.05% aminopropyl silane (Sigma-Aldrich) in 95% ethanol, and curing in a 1° C. oven. The slides are washed extensively with distilled water between and after treatments. The nucleic acids are arranged on the slide and then immobilized by exposing the array to UV irradiation using a STRATALINKER UV-crosslinker (Stratagene). Arrays are then washed at room temperature in 0.2% SDS and rinsed three times in distilled water. Non-specific binding sites are blocked by incubation of arrays in 0.2% casein in phosphate buffered saline (PBS; Tropix, Bedford Mass.) for 30 min at 60C; then the arrays are washed in 0.2% SDS and rinsed in distilled water as before.

[0220] Probe Preparation for Membrane Hybridization

[0221] Hybridization probes derived from the cDNAs of the Sequence Listing are employed for screening cDNAs, mRNAs, or genomic DNA in membrane-based hybridizations. Probes are prepared by diluting the cDNAs to a concentration of 40-50 ng in 45 μl TE buffer, denaturing by heating to 100C for five min, and briefly centrifuging. The denatured cDNA is then added to a REDIPRIME tube (APB), gently mixed until blue color is evenly distributed, and briefly centrifuged. Five μl of [³²P]dCTP is added to the tube, and the contents are incubated at 37C for 10 min. The labeling reaction is stopped by adding 5 μl of 0.2M EDTA, and probe is purified from unincorporated nucleotides using a PROBEQUANT G-50 microcolumn (APB). The purified probe is heated to 100C for five min, snap cooled for two min on ice, and used in membrane-based hybridizations as described below.

[0222] Probe Preparation for Polymer Coated Slide Hybridization

[0223] Hybridization probes derived from mRNA isolated from samples are employed for screening cDNAs of the Sequence Listing in array-based hybridizations. Probe is prepared using the GEMbright kit (Incyte Genomics) by diluting mRNA to a concentration of 200 ng in 9 μl TE buffer and adding 5 μl 5×buffer, 1 μl 0.1 M DTT, 3 μl Cy3 or Cy5 labeling mix, 1 μl RNAse inhibitor, 1 μl reverse transcriptase, and 5 μl 1×yeast control mRNAs. Yeast control mRNAs are synthesized by in vitro transcription from noncoding yeast genomic DNA (W Lei, unpublished). As quantitative controls, one set of control mRNAs at 0.002 ng, 0.02 ng, 0.2 ng, and 2 ng are diluted into reverse transcription reaction mixture at ratios of 1:100,000, 1:10,000, 1:1000, and 1:100 (w/w) to sample mRNA respectively. To examine mRNA differential expression patterns, a second set of control mRNAs are diluted into reverse transcription reaction mixture at ratios of 1:3, 3:1, 1:10, 10:1, 1:25, and 25:1 (w/w). The reaction mixture is mixed and incubated at 37C for two hr. The reaction mixture is then incubated for 20 min at 85C, and probes are purified using two successive CHROMA SPIN+TE 30 columns (BD Bisociences Clontech, Palo Alto Calif.). Purified probe is ethanol precipitated by diluting probe to 90 μl in DEPC-treated water, adding 2 μl 1 mg/ml glycogen, 60 μl 5 M sodium acetate, and 300 μl 100% ethanol. The probe is centrifuged for 20 min at 20,800×g, and the pellet is resuspended in 12 μl resuspension buffer, heated to 65C for five min, and mixed thoroughly. The probe is heated and mixed as before and then stored on ice. Probe is used in high density array-based hybridizations as described below.

[0224] Membrane-Based Hybridization

[0225] Membranes are pre-hybridized in hybridization solution containing 1% Sarkosyl and 1×high phosphate buffer (0.5 M NaCl, 0.1 M Na₂HPO₄, 5 mM EDTA, pH 7) at 55C for two hr. The probe, diluted in 15 ml fresh hybridization solution, is then added to the membrane. The membrane is hybridized with the probe at 55C for 16 hr. Following hybridization, the membrane is washed for 15 min at 25C in 1 mM Tris (pH 8.0), 1% Sarkosyl, and four times for 15 min each at 25C in 1 mM Tris (pH 8.0). To detect hybridization complexes, XOMAT-AR film (Eastman Kodak, Rochester N.Y.) is exposed to the membrane overnight at −70C, developed, and examined.

[0226] Polymer Coated Slide-Based Hybridization

[0227] Probe is heated to 65C for five min, centrifuged five min at 9400 rpm in a 5415C microcentrifuge (Eppendorf Scientific, Westbury N.Y.), and then 18 μl is aliquoted onto the array surface and covered with a coverslip. The arrays are transferred to a waterproof chamber having a cavity just slightly larger than a microscope slide. The chamber is kept at 100% humidity internally by the addition of 140 μl of 5×SSC in a corner of the chamber. The chamber containing the arrays is incubated for about 6.5 hr at 60C. The arrays are washed for 10 min at 45C in 1×SSC, 0.1% SDS, and three times for 10 min each at 45C in 0.1×, and dried.

[0228] Hybridization reactions are performed in absolute or differential hybridization formats. In the absolute hybridization format, probe from one sample is hybridized to array elements, and signals are detected after hybridization complexes form. Signal strength correlates with probe mRNA levels in the sample. In the differential hybridization format, differential expression of a set of genes in two biological samples is analyzed. Probes from the two samples are prepared and labeled with different labeling moieties. A mixture of the two labeled probes is hybridized to the array elements, and signals are examined under conditions in which the emissions from the two different labels are individually detectable. Elements on the array that are hybridized to substantially equal numbers of probes derived from both biological samples give a distinct combined fluorescence (Shalon WO95/35505).

[0229] Hybridization complexes are detected with a microscope equipped with an Innova 70 mixed gas 10 W laser (Coherent, Santa Clara Calif.) capable of generating spectral lines at 488 nm for excitation of Cy3 and at 632 nm for excitation of Cy5. The excitation laser light is focused on the array using a 20×microscope objective (Nikon, Melville N.Y.). The slide containing the array is placed on a computer-controlled X-Y stage on the microscope and raster-scanned past the objective with a resolution of 20 micrometers. In the differential hybridization format, the two fluorophores are sequentially excited by the laser. Emitted light is split, based on wavelength, into two photomultiplier tube detectors (PMT R1477, Hamamatsu Photonics Systems, Bridgewater N.J.) corresponding to the two fluorophores. Appropriate filters positioned between the array and the photomultiplier tubes are used to filter the signals. The emission maxima of the fluorophores used are 565 nm for Cy3 and 650 nm for Cy5. The sensitivity of the scans is calibrated using the signal intensity generated by the yeast control mRNAs added to the probe mix. A specific location on the array contains a complementary DNA sequence, allowing the intensity of the signal at that location to be correlated with a weight ratio of hybridizing species of 1:100,000.

[0230] The output of the photomultiplier tube is digitized using a 12-bit RTI-835H analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion board (Analog Devices, Norwood Mass.) installed in an IBM-compatible PC computer. The digitized data are displayed as an image where the signal intensity is mapped using a linear 20-color transformation to a pseudocolor scale ranging from blue (low signal) to red (high signal). The data is also analyzed quantitatively. Where two different fluorophores are excited and measured simultaneously, the data are first corrected for optical crosstalk (due to overlapping emission spectra) between the fluorophores using the emission spectrum for each fluorophore. A grid is superimposed over the fluorescence signal image such that the signal from each spot is centered in each element of the grid. The fluorescence signal within each element is then integrated to obtain a numerical value corresponding to the average intensity of the signal. The software used for signal analysis was the GEMTOOLS program (Incyte Genomics).

[0231] IX Northern Analysis, Transcript Imaging, and Guilt-By-Association

[0232] Northern Analysis

[0233] Northern analysis is a laboratory technique used to detect the presence of a transcript of a gene and involves the hybridization of a labeled nucleotide sequence to a membrane on which RNAs from a particular cell type or tissue have been bound. The technique is described in Ausubel, supra, units 4.1-4.9)

[0234] Analogous computer techniques applying BLAST are used to search for identical or related molecules in nucleotide databases such as GenBank or the LIFESEQ database (Incyte Genomics). This analysis is faster than multiple membrane-based hybridizations. In addition, the sensitivity of the computer search can be modified to determine whether any particular match is categorized as exact or homologous. The basis of the search is the product score which was described above.

[0235] Transcript Imaging

[0236] A transcript image was performed for DSCR1L1α using the LIFESEQ GOLD database (Incyte Genomics). This process assessed the relative abundance of the expressed polynucleotides in all of the cDNA libraries and was described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,484, incorporated herein by reference. All sequences and cDNA libraries in the LIFESEQ database are categorized by system, organ/tissue and cell type. The categories include cardiovascular system, connective tissue, digestive system, embryonic structures, endocrine system, exocrine glands, female and male genitalia, germ cells, hemic/immune system, liver, musculoskeletal system, nervous system, pancreas, respiratory system, sense organs, skin, stomatognathic system, unclassified/mixed, and the urinary tract. Criteria for transcript imaging are selected from category, number of cDNAs per library, library description, disease indication, clinical relevance of sample, and the like.

[0237] For each category, the number of libraries in which the sequence was expressed were counted and shown over the total number of libraries in that category. For each library, the number of cDNAs were counted and shown over the total number of cDNAs in that library. In some transcript images, all enriched, normalized (NORM) or subtracted (SUB) libraries, which have high copy number sequences can be removed prior to processing, and all mixed or pooled tissues, which are considered non-specific in that they contain more than one tissue type or more than one subject's tissue, can be excluded from the analysis. Treated and untreated cell lines and/or fetal tissue data can also be excluded where clinical relevance is emphasized. Conversely, fetal tissue can be emphasized wherever elucidation of inherited disorders or differentiation of particular adult or embryonic stem cells into tissues or organs (such as heart, kidney, nerves or pancreas) would be aided by removing clinical samples from the analysis.

[0238] Guilt-By-Association

[0239] GBA identifies cDNAs that are expressed in a plurality of cDNA libraries relating to a specific disease process, subcellular compartment, cell type, tissue type, or species. The expression patterns of cDNAs with unknown function are compared with the expression patterns of genes having well documented function to determine whether a specified co-expression probability threshold is met. Through this comparison, a subset of the cDNAs having a highly significant co-expression probability with the known genes are identified.

[0240] The cDNAs originate from human cDNA libraries from any cell or cell line, tissue, or organ and may be selected from a variety of sequence types including, but not limited to, expressed sequence tags (ESTs), assembled polynucleotides, full length gene coding regions, promoters, introns, enhancers, 5′ untranslated regions, and 3′ untranslated regions. To have statistically significant analytical results, the cDNAs need to be expressed in at least five cDNA libraries. The number of cDNA libraries whose sequences are analyzed can range from as few as 500 to greater than 10,000.

[0241] The method for identifying cDNAs that exhibit a statistically significant co-expression pattern is as follows. First, the presence or absence of a gene in a cDNA library is defined: a gene is present in a library when at least one fragment of its sequence is detected in a sample taken from the library, and a gene is absent from a library when no corresponding fragment is detected in the sample.

[0242] Second, the significance of co-expression is evaluated using a probability method to measure a due-to-chance probability of the co-expression. The probability method can be the Fisher exact test, the chi-squared test, or the kappa test. These tests and examples of their applications are well known in the art and can be found in standard statistics texts (Agresti (1990) Categorical Data Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, New York N.Y.; Rice (1988) Mathematical Statistics and Data Analysis, Duxbury Press, Pacific Grove Calif.). A Bonferroni correction (Rice, supra, p. 384) can also be applied in combination with one of the probability methods for correcting statistical results of one gene versus multiple other genes. In a preferred embodiment, the due-to-chance probability is measured by a Fisher exact test, and the threshold of the due-to-chance probability is set preferably to less than 0.001.

[0243] This method of estimating the probability for co-expression of two genes assumes that the libraries are independent and are identically sampled. However, in practical situations, the selected cDNA libraries are not entirely independent because: 1) more than one library may be obtained from a single subject or tissue, and 2) different numbers of cDNAs, typically ranging from 5,000 to 10,000, may be sequenced from each library. In addition, since a Fisher exact co-expression probability is calculated for each gene versus every other gene that occurs in at least five libraries, a Bonferroni correction for multiple statistical tests is used (See Walker et al. (1999; Genome Res 9:1198-203; expressly incorporated herein by reference).

[0244] X Complementary Molecules

[0245] Molecules complementary to the cDNA, from about 5 (PNA) to about 5000 bp (complement of a cDNA insert), are used to detect or inhibit gene expression. These molecules are selected using LASERGENE software (DNASTAR). Detection is described in Example VII. To inhibit transcription by preventing promoter binding, the complementary molecule is designed to bind to the most unique 5′ sequence and includes nucleotides of the 5′ UTR upstream of the initiation codon of the open reading frame. Complementary molecules include genomic sequences (such as enhancers or introns) and are used in “triple helix” base pairing to compromise the ability of the double helix to open sufficiently for the binding of polymerases, transcription factors, or regulatory molecules. To inhibit translation, a complementary molecule is designed to prevent ribosomal binding to the mRNA encoding the mammalian protein.

[0246] Complementary molecules are placed in expression vectors and used to transform a cell line to test efficacy; into an organ, tumor, synovial cavity, or the vascular system for transient or short term therapy; or into a stem cell, zygote, or other reproducing lineage for long term or stable gene therapy. Transient expression lasts for a month or more with a non-replicating vector and for three months or more if appropriate elements for inducing vector replication are used in the transformation/expression system.

[0247] Stable transformation of appropriate dividing cells with a vector encoding the complementary molecule produces a transgenic cell line, tissue, or organism (U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,866). Those cells that assimilate and replicate sufficient quantities of the vector to allow stable integration also produce enough complementary molecules to compromise or entirely eliminate activity of the cDNA encoding the mammalian protein.

[0248] XI Expression of DSCR1L1α

[0249] Expression and purification of the mammalian protein are achieved using either a mammalian cell expression system or an insect cell expression system. The pUB6/V5-His vector system (Invitrogen) is used to express DSCR1L1α in CHO cells. The vector contains the selectable bsd gene, multiple cloning sites, the promoter/enhancer sequence from the human ubiquitin C gene, a C-terminal V5 epitope for antibody detection with anti-V5 antibodies, and a C-terminal polyhistidine (6×His) sequence for rapid purification on PROBOND resin (Invitrogen). Transformed cells are selected on media containing blasticidin.

[0250]Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells are infected with recombinant Autographica californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (baculovirus). The polyhedrin gene is replaced with the mammalian cDNA by homologous recombination and the polyhedrin promoter drives cDNA transcription. The protein is synthesized as a fusion protein with 6×his which enables purification as described above. Purified protein is used in the following activity and to make antibodies.

[0251] XII Production of Antibodies

[0252] DSCR1L1α are purified using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and used to immunize mice or rabbits. Antibodies are produced using the protocols below. Alternatively, the amino acid sequences of DSCR1L1α are analyzed using LASERGENE software (DNASTAR) to determine regions of high antigenicity. An antigenic epitope, usually found near the C-terminus or in a hydrophilic region is selected, synthesized, and used to raise antibodies. Typically, epitopes of about 15 residues in length are produced using a 431A peptide synthesizer (ABI) using Fmoc-chemistry and coupled to KLH (Sigma-Aldrich) by reaction with N-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester to increase antigenicity.

[0253] Rabbits are immunized with the epitope-KLH complex in complete Freund's adjuvant. Immunizations are repeated at intervals thereafter in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. After a minimum of seven weeks for mouse or twelve weeks for rabbit, antisera are drawn and tested for antipeptide activity. Testing involves binding the peptide to plastic, blocking with 1% bovine serum albumin, reacting with rabbit antisera, washing, and reacting with radio-iodinated goat anti-rabbit IgG. Methods well known in the art are used to determine antibody titer and the amount of complex formation.

[0254] XIII Immunopurification of Naturally Occurring Protein Using Antibodies

[0255] Naturally occurring or recombinant protein is purified by immunoaffinity chromatography using antibodies which specifically bind the protein. An immunoaffinity column is constructed by covalently coupling the antibody to CNBr-activated SEPHAROSE resin (APB). Media containing the protein is passed over the immunoaffinity column, and the column is washed using high ionic strength buffers in the presence of detergent to allow preferential absorbance of the protein. After coupling, the protein is eluted from the column using a buffer of pH 2-3 or a high concentration of urea or thiocyanate ion to disrupt antibody/protein binding, and the protein is collected.

[0256] XIV Western Analysis

[0257] Electrophoresis and Blotting

[0258] Samples containing protein are mixed in 2×loading buffer, heated to 95 C for 3-5 min, and loaded on 4-12% NUPAGE Bis-Tris precast gel (Invitrogen). Unless indicated, equal amounts of total protein are loaded into each well. The gel is electrophoresced in 1×MES or MOPS running buffer (Invitrogen) at 200 V for approximately 45 min on an Xcell II apparatus (Invitrogen) until the RAINBOW marker (APB) has resolved, and dye front approaches the bottom of the gel. The gel and its supports are removed from the apparatus and soaked in 1×transfer buffer (Invitrogen) with 10% methanol for a few minutes; and the PVDF membrane is soaked in 100% methanol for a few seconds to activate it. The membrane, gel, and supports are placed on the TRANSBLOT SD transfer apparatus (Biorad, Hercules Calif.) and a constant current of 350 mAmps is applied for 90 min.

[0259] Conjugation With Antibody and Visualization

[0260] After the proteins are transferred to the membrane, it is blocked in 5% (w/v) non-fat dry milk in 1×phosphate buffered saline (PBS) with 0.1% Tween 20 detergent (blocking buffer) on a rotary shaker for at least 1 hr at room temperature or at 4C overnight. After blocking, the buffer is removed, and 10 ml of primary antibody in blocking buffer is added. The membrane is incubated on the rotary shaker for 1 hr at room temperature or overnight at 4C. The membrane is washed 3×for 10 min each with PBS-Tween (PBST), and secondary antibody, conjugated to horseradish peroxidase, is added at a 1:3000 dilution in 10 ml blocking buffer. The membrane and solution are shaken for 30 min at room temperature and then washed three times for 10 min each with PBST.

[0261] The wash solution is carefully removed, and the membrane is moistened with ECL+ chemilum-inescent detection system (APB) and incubated for approximately 5 min. The membrane, protein side down, is placed on BIOMAX M film (Eastman Kodak) and developed for approximately 30 seconds.

[0262] XV Antibody Arrays

[0263] Protein:Protein Interactions

[0264] In an alternative to yeast two hybrid system analysis of proteins, an antibody array can be used to study protein-protein interactions and phosphorylation. A variety of protein ligands are immobilized on a membrane using methods well known in the art. The array is incubated in the presence of cell lysate until protein:antibody complexes are formed. Proteins of interest are identified by exposing the membrane to an antibody specific to the protein of interest. In the alternative, a protein of interest is labeled with digoxigenin (DIG) and exposed to the membrane; then the membrane is exposed to anti-DIG antibody which reveals where the protein of interest forms a complex. The identity of the proteins with which the protein of interest interacts is determined by the position of the protein of interest on the membrane.

[0265] Proteomic Profiles

[0266] Antibody arrays can also be used for high-throughput screening of recombinant antibodies. Bacteria containing antibody genes are robotically-picked and gridded at high density (up to 18,342 different double-spotted clones) on a filter. Up to 15 antigens at a time are used to screen for clones to identify those that express binding antibody fragments. These antibody arrays can also be used to identify proteins which are differentially expressed in samples (de Wildt, supra)

[0267] XVI Screening Molecules for Specific Binding with the cDNA or Protein

[0268] The cDNA, or fragments thereof, or the protein, or portions thereof, are labeled with ³²P-dCTP, Cy3-dCTP, or Cy5-dCTP (APB), or with BIODIPY or FITC (Molecular Probes, Eugene Oreg.), respectively. Libraries of candidate molecules or compounds previously arranged on a substrate are incubated in the presence of labeled cDNA or protein. After incubation under conditions for either a nucleic acid or amino acid sequence, the substrate is washed, and any position on the substrate retaining label, which indicates specific binding or complex formation, is assayed, and the ligand is identified. Data obtained using different concentrations of the nucleic acid or protein are used to calculate affinity between the labeled nucleic acid or protein and the bound molecule.

[0269] XVII Two-Hybrid Screen

[0270] A yeast two-hybrid system, MATCHMAKER LexA Two-Hybrid system (BD Biosciences Clontech), is used to screen for peptides that bind the mammalian protein of the invention. A cDNA encoding the protein is inserted into the multiple cloning site of a pLexA vector, ligated, and transformed into E. coli. cDNA, prepared from mRNA, is inserted into the multiple cloning site of a pB42AD vector, ligated, and transformed into E. coli to construct a cDNA library. The pLexA plasmid and pB42AD-cDNA library constructs are isolated from E. coli and used in a 2:1 ratio to co-transform competent yeast EGY48[p8op-lacZ] cells using a polyethylene glycol/lithium acetate protocol. Transformed yeast cells are plated on synthetic dropout (SD) media lacking histidine (-His), tryptophan (-Trp), and uracil (-Ura), and incubated at 30C until the colonies have grown up and are counted. The colonies are pooled in a minimal volume of 1×TE (pH 7.5), replated on SD/-His/-Leu/-Trp/-Ura media supplemented with 2% galactose (Gal), 1% raffinose (Raf), and 80 mg/ml 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl β-d-galactopyranoside (X-Gal), and subsequently examined for growth of blue colonies. Interaction between expressed protein and cDNA fusion proteins activates expression of a LEU2 reporter gene in EGY48 and produces colony growth on media lacking leucine (-Leu). Interaction also activates expression of 1-galactosidase from the p8op-lacZ reporter construct that produces blue color in colonies grown on X-Gal.

[0271] Positive interactions between expressed protein and cDNA fusion proteins are verified by isolating individual positive colonies and growing them in SD/-Trp/-Ura liquid medium for 1 to 2 days at 30C. A sample of the culture is plated on SD/-Trp/-Ura media and incubated at 30C until colonies appear. The sample is replica-plated on SD/-Trp/-Ura and SD/-His/-Trp/-Ura plates. Colonies that grow on SD containing histidine but not on media lacking histidine have lost the pLexA plasmid. Histidine-requiring colonies are grown on SD/Gal/Raf/X-Gal/-Trp/-Ura, and white colonies are isolated and propagated. The pB42AD-cDNA plasmid, which contains a cDNA encoding a protein that physically interacts with the mammalian protein, is isolated from the yeast cells and characterized.

[0272] XVIII Demonstration of Protein Activity

[0273] DSCR1L1α, or biologically active fragments thereof, are labeled with ¹²⁵I Bolton-Hunter reagent (Bolton et al. (1973) Biochem J 133:529-539). Candidate ligand molecules previously arrayed in the wells of a multi-well plate are incubated with the labeled DSCR1L1α, washed, and any wells with labeled DSCR1L1α complex are assayed. Data obtained using different concentrations of DSCR1L1α are used to calculate values for the number, affinity, and association of DSCR1L1α with the candidate ligand molecules.

[0274] All patents and publications mentioned in the specification are incorporated by reference herein. Various modifications and variations of the described method and system of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention that are obvious to those skilled in the field of molecular biology or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

1 11 1 3159 DNA Homo sapiens misc_feature Incyte ID No 247500.5 1 ccagctatta gggagactcc agccccttgc caggcgagag agtggatggt caccctccat 60 ggaggaagtg tttcccaagg gtgtctgctg gggaaggaaa gcatgatgca gtgcagatta 120 atcagagaga agagccaacg tctcgtctac ctttttttgt tgaaaacaaa caaaacgtga 180 ttgtatgtca actttggaaa aaaacaacgt agtgtnggga atgaggggag aatcatactt 240 catcggaatg aggagcccag ggcagcaggg acacgtccct gaagatggag gacttttctt 300 actgtgctgc atagacaggg actgggctgt cactcgttgt tttgcagaag aagcctttca 360 agcaatcact gacttcaatg acctccccaa ctcgttgttt gcgtgcaatg ttcaccagtc 420 agtgtttgaa ggagaagaga gcaaggaaaa atttgaggga ctgtttcgga cttatgatga 480 ctgtgtgacg ttccagctat ttaagagttt cagacgtgtc cgtataaact tcagcaatcc 540 taaatctgca gcccgagcta ggatagagct tcatgaaacc caattcagag ggaaaaaatt 600 aaagctctac tttgcacagg ttcagactcc agagacagat ggagacaaac tgcacttggc 660 tccaccccag cctgccaaac agtttctcat ctcgccccct tcctccccac ctgttggctg 720 gcagcccatc aacgatgcca cgccagtcct caactatgac ctcctctatg ctgtggccaa 780 actaggacca ggagagaagt atgagctcca tgcagggact gagtccaccc caagtgtcgt 840 cgtgcacgtg tgcgacagtg acatagagga agaagaggac ccaaagactt ccccaaagcc 900 aaaaatcatc caaactcggc gtcctggcct gccaccctcc gtgtccaact gagctgcctg 960 ctccttctcg ataatagccg tctcctcttt atcatgcttt ttccccctgt tgtttgtcaa 1020 aaaaaattgc ctttaaattc ctgggtgttt ggttgtttga gattccttcc ttgttatcaa 1080 gcctctcgga caaaagggct aggaaaaggt gatatgtctc ctgatcatat catacccatt 1140 aagtataacc cattatttag aaggttctag ggaaaaaagt agtattttct tattaaacaa 1200 tcagcacagc ctatatcttt gttctctcat gttgatccaa gccagagaca tcagtaacaa 1260 atagcacctg tgttgtttgt gagctgtttc agtcccagtc ctgatgtgtg tgcgttgttc 1320 tctcctggcc acttaaatag gaccatatgt aaacttgact ttgactgcat gagatatccc 1380 tatctggtct cactcagtcc tctgcatccc aacattccca ggacatgcat gatcaccagc 1440 atttattttc attatttgag gatatcttat aactcacaga ttgtcagcat ccagccatgt 1500 cctatctaga ttaggaaaat gatcagaata ttccagctca acaagtctgg gtatattcac 1560 tattgtgagt caatacacca tagctctgtt gaaattcctg gaggcaaaat tgaccttggc 1620 cccaaagata ttcctcaata gatttcaaac accactcccc tgtagaactc tcccagcctc 1680 gttggggagg cttgtccagg gtgatagaga ctgatttcag acaaacctat ttattacaaa 1740 agtttcatgg tgtctgaatg attgttttct ctctttgtat atttgtacaa atgtttcagc 1800 tgtgctttta aaaaatctgg atgtttttta tttagtgatt gttcgacaat tagctgcttc 1860 aaaacataat gtgcattgct tatgaatgcc ttcatatact aatacagata ctctgataat 1920 attacactct aataaggata atgctgaatt ttgaaaggac acaaaacatc taatgccaat 1980 atatacatga ttagccaaca tctttgctat caagaccact tgtttttaaa taaagatgca 2040 agtgtcagtt gtagattatt gggatgaagc taaatcccca gaatggcagc agcagctgag 2100 catgttaaaa tggggaagga tgatagctac atgtatgccg gtcctactca cgcgacaccc 2160 gtgtgctcaa aaaagttatt tgtttttgtt acgtgtgatt tttctatttc tctagcccaa 2220 agtgcattac agaagataca cctatagaac cattaccttc tgctatgtgt gccaggcctc 2280 atctactcct gtacattaat gaattacttt agatgcaaac gcagattaca atggagtggg 2340 gaagtacttt cattacccaa gcctcagaaa aacacacaag aacaataaca cagcaaacag 2400 attgagggat tgttgtggtt tttgactaag gtgtatgtta gtttcatcag aaacttaaaa 2460 catagactga tcactcagaa attaaagtcc gttttactgt gaatatagca atatagtact 2520 ggacacagta ctggtgaaac tgaggagagc attgcttgta aaatcctgag tttccataag 2580 gaaaatgaaa actcctttta aaaataaaat ctgaggagtg tacaataagc atatgctttg 2640 actttccttt gctgtggagg tttttggttt ttcattgatg ataaacgact acagacttag 2700 tagtggagaa atggtgtcct ctagtggaag aaatagtagg ctccgctatt cagatgcaga 2760 gcactgcagc atccagcctt tcaaagctga ctcttctcaa tcatctgtgg gtcatttgac 2820 ttgatttttt aagctaccct gaatttccag aatgcaggtt ctaaagaaat ctagatgaga 2880 gaaagtattt gaaaatgatt tttaaatgtt ttttaaaaga cacatctgac atttttaaca 2940 acttagtaaa agttgaaatg accattctgt gtagtcataa aagaaacaca atgaagtgta 3000 tggcctctgg agttagtctt agtaaaactt attgctctgt gtcaatgtta acctgtctca 3060 gatcaagtaa ttctttcact aggttgggtt ncngaggggg ganaagaggg gctttcctag 3120 gagaacgata agaaatggaa agactccttg aagtgttgc 3159 2 255 PRT Homo sapiens misc_feature Incyte ID No 247500.5 2 Met Ser Thr Leu Glu Lys Asn Asn Val Val Xaa Gly Met Arg Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Ser Tyr Phe Ile Gly Met Arg Ser Pro Gly Gln Gln Gly His 20 25 30 Val Pro Glu Asp Gly Gly Leu Phe Leu Leu Cys Cys Ile Asp Arg 35 40 45 Asp Trp Ala Val Thr Arg Cys Phe Ala Glu Glu Ala Phe Gln Ala 50 55 60 Ile Thr Asp Phe Asn Asp Leu Pro Asn Ser Leu Phe Ala Cys Asn 65 70 75 Val His Gln Ser Val Phe Glu Gly Glu Glu Ser Lys Glu Lys Phe 80 85 90 Glu Gly Leu Phe Arg Thr Tyr Asp Asp Cys Val Thr Phe Gln Leu 95 100 105 Phe Lys Ser Phe Arg Arg Val Arg Ile Asn Phe Ser Asn Pro Lys 110 115 120 Ser Ala Ala Arg Ala Arg Ile Glu Leu His Glu Thr Gln Phe Arg 125 130 135 Gly Lys Lys Leu Lys Leu Tyr Phe Ala Gln Val Gln Thr Pro Glu 140 145 150 Thr Asp Gly Asp Lys Leu His Leu Ala Pro Pro Gln Pro Ala Lys 155 160 165 Gln Phe Leu Ile Ser Pro Pro Ser Ser Pro Pro Val Gly Trp Gln 170 175 180 Pro Ile Asn Asp Ala Thr Pro Val Leu Asn Tyr Asp Leu Leu Tyr 185 190 195 Ala Val Ala Lys Leu Gly Pro Gly Glu Lys Tyr Glu Leu His Ala 200 205 210 Gly Thr Glu Ser Thr Pro Ser Val Val Val His Val Cys Asp Ser 215 220 225 Asp Ile Glu Glu Glu Glu Asp Pro Lys Thr Ser Pro Lys Pro Lys 230 235 240 Ile Ile Gln Thr Arg Arg Pro Gly Leu Pro Pro Ser Val Ser Asn 245 250 255 3 1021 DNA Rattus norvegicus misc_feature Incyte ID No 219435_Rn.1 3 aggctgtact gattgtttaa taagaaaata ctaccctttg tctagaactt tctaaataat 60 ggactctggt taatgggtat gagttgactg ggagacatat caccttttcc tagccctttt 120 gtccgagagg cttaagttac aaggaaggat tctcaaacaa ccaaataccc aggtgacttc 180 aaggcaatta atttttggac gaacaaggga gaaaaagcat gataagagga gatgcatgtt 240 atcatggacg tgctcagttg gacacggagg gtggcaggcc aggacgccgg gtctggatga 300 tttttggctt tggggaagtc tttggatcct cctcctcctc caagtcgctg tcacacacgt 360 gcacgacaac gctcggtgta gactcagttc ccgcatgcag ctcatatttc tctcctggtc 420 ctagtttggc cacggcataa aggaggtcgt acgttgagga ctggtgtggc atcgctgata 480 ggcttccagc caacgggagg agatgaaggg ggtgagatga ggaactgttt ggcaggctgt 540 gggggtgcca aactgcagtt tgtctaccat ctgtctctgg ggtctggacc tgtgcaaagt 600 agagtttcag cttcttccct catgaactgg gtccacatga agctcctatc cgggcaccgg 660 gctgcagctt tggggtggct gaaatttatt ccgaacccgt cggaaactct taaacagctg 720 aaacgtcaca cattcgtcat aggtccggaa cagtccctca aatttttcct taacctcctg 780 attggtaaag acctccacat ccaccacaca ggcgaccaga gtggaaacat cacagtccat 840 gctaggggct ggcattcccc tcttcggaat tctcagcgaa gagttaggca gcctcagagt 900 tgggagtgaa gagactcctc tggatggata ctgtcctggt actgccctgc ttctgggggg 960 gaggtggggt gcggtgcggt gctggttgga gactcagcca cctggagcct gctgccgctg 1020 c 1021 4 193 DNA Rattus norvegicus misc_feature Incyte ID No 271176_Rn.1 4 5 1348 DNA Rattus norvegicus misc_feature Incyte ID No 291862_Rn.1 5 ggctacagca atgtctcatg ccaatagata aacgactagc taatttcttt gctgtcaaga 60 tcacctgttt gcaaacaaag atccaagtat cagttgtaag caacttgggt ggcgcttaat 120 ccaagatcgt atacagctga gcatttccga acacaaagga tgatgggtaa acggacggcc 180 cctcccattc atccagtgcc cgtgtgctca aaagttcctt gttttcgtta cctgtgattt 240 tgtatttctc tagcccaaag tgcattacag aagatacacc tgcagaacca tactttctgc 300 tccatgtgtc aagcctcatc tattcctgtt cattaactag taactttgga tgcaaatact 360 atttaccaca caacgggcaa ggacttcaat gacctaagcc tccgaattaa ccaaacaaag 420 aacactaaca cagccacctg atggggggat tatgtggttt tttgactaag gtgtatgtta 480 gtttcagcag aaacttcaaa cctagactga tcactcagaa aattaaagtc cgttctactg 540 tgaaatatag caatatagtg gccggacacg gtacacgtac gcgttgagac cgaggccagc 600 attgcttgtg gaatcctgag tttccacggg gataacaagt ctccttttca aactcagatc 660 tgaggagtgt acagcaaagg ctttgacttt ccttttgtgg tggaaggatt tggttttttc 720 attggccacg gaacgactac aaatagtggc gagatgctgc cctctggtgg ccgaaacgtt 780 gaactcggtt gtataggtgg attgattaca acagtcaact cccagggtct gactttctaa 840 tccgcgttaa ctttcaggat gcaggttctg agaaagagag aaaaatgaac agtctaaatg 900 agattaaagc cttggaaata atttgtgctt ccaaacaatg atagcagaga tttccagttt 960 agtaaaagtt gatgtgacta ccctctgggt aggcattaag aactcagtgt tacagatggc 1020 ccaggtgatt agtcttagta aactgtattg ccatatgtcg atgttaacct gctgcagagc 1080 aagggattct cgcactaggt tgagcacgga gaggggagaa ggggagcttt ccccagaaag 1140 aatagggaag ccatgggacc tcccagcacc gagaaagtcg cctctacact tccttccatg 1200 atgctcatta ctgcaaacct cttgtagcgc tcgtttttaa gtctgcaaac gttttaaatg 1260 gaggggaagg ggaaggtttc caccaactga atcatttgtg cacgtgtaca gctcaaagag 1320 cttagagttc aaatatatct ggtgaatg 1348 6 531 DNA Rattus norvegicus misc_feature Incyte ID No 299263_Rn.1 6 gttgactggt gagacatatc actcttatcc tagccctttt gtccgagagg cttaatttac 60 tatggaatgg attctcaaac aatccaaaca cccaggtact tcaatggtca attaattttt 120 ggacgaacaa gggagaaaaa gcatgataag aggagatgca tgttatacat ggacgtgctc 180 agttggacac ggagaggtgg caggccagga cgccgggtta ctggatagat ttataaggct 240 ttggggaagt cttatggatc ctacctacct cctccaagtc gctgtcacac acgtagcacg 300 acaacgctcg gtagtagact acagtatccc gcataacagc tcatatatta cactcctggt 360 cctagtttgg ccacggcata aaggaggtcg tagttgagga ctggtagtgg catcgctgat 420 aggcttccag ccaacgggag gagatagaag ggggtgagat gaggaactgt atggcacgct 480 gtggagggtg ccaagatgca gtttagtctc catctgacta caggggtctg g 531 7 233 DNA Rattus norvegicus misc_feature Incyte ID No 219652_Rn.1 7 aattcctgga ggtaaaattg agcgtggccc caaagagatt cctcagtaga ttctaaacat 60 cactatcaca taggactacc cagtgctact ggggaggctt gcccgagtga cagagaccga 120 tttcagacaa acctatttat tataaaagtc tcacagtgtc tgaatgattg tcgtcccccc 180 ccaccccttt gtatatttgt acagatgttt gagctgtgct tttaaaatct gga 233 8 615 DNA Rattus norvegicus misc_feature Incyte ID No 206751_Rn.1 8 gaagatgcta cgagacagcc tgaaatcttg tgaatgacag ccagtcagac ctctgtagca 60 gcgaccagga agatggaaga ggagatggtc ttcggtgaaa atgaagacga tttggaagag 120 atgatggacc tcagcgacct gcccacctcc ctctttgctt gcagtgtcca tgaagcggtg 180 tttgaggtcc aagagcagaa ggagaggttc gaagccctgt tcaccctcta tgatgaccag 240 gtcacattcc agctgttcaa gagctttcgc agagtgagga tcaacttcag caagcctgag 300 gctgcggcga gagcacggat cgagctccac gagagtgaat tccatggccg gaagctgaag 360 ctttacttcg cacaggtgca ggtgtccggg gaggctcggg acaagtccta cttactgcca 420 ccacagccca ccaagcagtt cctcatctcc cctcccgcct caccccccgt ggggtggaag 480 cagagtgaag atgccacgcc agtgatcaac tatgacctcc tctgtgccgt ctccaagctg 540 gggccagggg agaaatacga actgcacgca ggaaccgagt ccacccccag tgtgctggtg 600 cacgtctgtg agagc 615 9 297 DNA Macaca fascicularis misc_feature Incyte ID No 702110167H1 9 cagcagcccc cgggtcgtgc tgggggaccg cggcggggct ctggccgcgg gacgggtctg 60 ggtgcagggc gggggcggcg gcgggggtgg ggtttgtctc cagatctgtg gtcagtccgg 120 gctgcggccg tggggacgga gatctcccgc gacccccctc tagggggcgc gggtcccaag 180 gagccccttc cccactgctc gtggcccggg ggttcgcctt cctggaagca gcagcaggaa 240 tgaggggaga atcatacttc atcggaatga ggagcccggg acagcagtga cacatcc 297 10 192 PRT Homo sapiens misc_feature Incyte ID No g1435040 10 Met Asp Cys Asp Val Ser Thr Leu Val Ala Cys Val Val Asp Val 1 5 10 15 Glu Val Phe Thr Asn Gln Glu Val Lys Glu Lys Phe Gly Gly Leu 20 25 30 Phe Arg Thr Tyr Asp Asp Cys Val Thr Phe Gln Leu Phe Lys Ser 35 40 45 Phe Arg Arg Val Arg Ile Asn Phe Ser Asn Pro Lys Ser Ala Ala 50 55 60 Arg Ala Arg Ile Glu Leu His Glu Thr Gln Phe Arg Gly Lys Lys 65 70 75 Leu Lys Leu Tyr Phe Ala Gln Val Gln Thr Pro Glu Thr Asp Gly 80 85 90 Asp Lys Leu His Leu Ala Pro Pro Gln Pro Ala Lys Gln Phe Leu 95 100 105 Ile Ser Pro Pro Ser Ser Pro Pro Val Ser Trp Gln Pro Ile Asn 110 115 120 Asp Ala Thr Pro Val Leu Asn Tyr Asp Leu Leu Tyr Ala Val Ala 125 130 135 Lys Leu Gly Pro Gly Glu Lys Tyr Glu Leu His Ala Gly Thr Glu 140 145 150 Ser Thr Pro Ser Val Val Val His Val Cys Asp Ser Asp Ile Glu 155 160 165 Glu Glu Glu Asp Pro Lys Thr Ser Pro Lys Pro Lys Ile Ile Gln 170 175 180 Thr Arg Arg Pro Gly Leu Pro Pro Ser Val Ser Asn 185 190 11 241 PRT Homo sapiens misc_feature Incyte ID No g6017919 11 Met Leu Arg Asp Thr Met Lys Ser Trp Asn Asp Ser Gln Ser Asp 1 5 10 15 Leu Cys Ser Thr Asp Gln Glu Glu Glu Glu Glu Met Ile Phe Gly 20 25 30 Glu Asn Glu Asp Asp Leu Asp Glu Met Met Asp Leu Ser Asp Leu 35 40 45 Pro Thr Ser Leu Phe Ala Cys Ser Val His Glu Ala Val Phe Glu 50 55 60 Ala Arg Glu Gln Lys Glu Arg Phe Glu Ala Leu Phe Thr Ile Tyr 65 70 75 Asp Asp Gln Val Thr Phe Gln Leu Phe Lys Ser Phe Arg Arg Val 80 85 90 Arg Ile Asn Phe Ser Lys Pro Glu Ala Ala Ala Arg Ala Arg Ile 95 100 105 Glu Leu His Glu Thr Asp Phe Asn Gly Gln Lys Leu Lys Leu Tyr 110 115 120 Phe Ala Gln Val Gln Met Ser Gly Glu Val Arg Asp Lys Ser Tyr 125 130 135 Leu Leu Pro Pro Gln Pro Val Lys Gln Phe Leu Ile Ser Pro Pro 140 145 150 Ala Ser Pro Pro Val Gly Trp Lys Gln Ser Glu Asp Ala Met Pro 155 160 165 Val Ile Asn Tyr Asp Leu Leu Cys Ala Val Ser Lys Leu Gly Pro 170 175 180 Gly Glu Lys Tyr Glu Leu His Ala Gly Thr Glu Ser Thr Pro Ser 185 190 195 Val Val Val His Val Cys Glu Ser Glu Thr Glu Glu Glu Glu Glu 200 205 210 Thr Lys Asn Pro Lys Gln Lys Ile Ala Gln Thr Arg Arg Pro Asp 215 220 225 Pro Pro Thr Ala Ala Leu Asn Glu Pro Gln Thr Phe Asp Cys Ala 230 235 240 Leu 

What is claimed is:
 1. A purified protein comprising a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.
 2. A biologically active portion of the protein of claim 1 wherein the portion extends from residue M1 to residue S70 or residue 129 to residue 199 of SEQ ID NO:1.
 3. An antigenic epitope extending from residue M1 to residue S70 of SEQ ID NO:1.
 4. A variant having at least 92% homology to the protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.
 5. A composition comprising the protein of claim 1 and a labeling moiety.
 6. A composition comprising the protein of claim 1 and a pharmaceutical carrier.
 7. A substrate upon which the protein of claim 1 is immobilized.
 8. An array element comprising the protein of claim
 1. 9. A method for detecting expression of a protein in a sample, the method comprising: a) performing an assay to determine the amount of the protein of claim 1 in the sample; and b) comparing the amount of protein to standards, thereby detecting expression of the protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 in the sample.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the assay is selected from antibody or protein arrays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, spatial immobilization such as 2D-PAGE and scintillation counting, high performance liquid chromatography, or mass spectrophotometry, radioimmunoassays and western analysis.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein the sample is from brain.
 12. The method of claim 9 wherein the protein is differentially expressed when compared with at least one standard and is diagnostic of Alzheimer's disease.
 13. A method for using a protein to screen a plurality of molecules and compounds to identify at least one ligand, the method comprising: a) combining the protein of claim 1 with a plurality of molecules and compounds under conditions to allow specific binding; and b) detecting specific binding, thereby identifying a ligand that specifically binds the protein.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the molecules and compounds are selected from agonists, antagonists, antibodies, small drug molecules, multispecific molecules, peptides, and proteins.
 15. A method for using a protein to identify an antibody that specifically binds the protein comprising: a) contacting a plurality of antibodies with the protein of claim 1 under conditions to allow specific binding, and b) detecting specific binding between an antibody and the protein, thereby identifying an antibody that specifically binds the protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the plurality of antibodies are selected from a polyclonal antibody, a monoclonal antibody, a chimeric antibody, a recombinant antibody, a humanized antibody, a single chain antibody, a Fab fragment, an F(ab′)₂ fragment, an Fv fragment; and an antibody-peptide fusion protein.
 17. A method of using a protein to prepare and purify a polyclonal antibody comprising: a) immunizing a animal with a protein of claim 1 under conditions to elicit an antibody response; b) isolating animal antibodies; c) attaching the protein to a substrate; d) contacting the substrate with isolated antibodies under conditions to allow specific binding to the protein; and e) dissociating the antibodies from the protein, thereby obtaining purified polyclonal antibodies.
 18. A method of using a protein to prepare a monoclonal antibody comprising: a) immunizing a animal with a protein of claim 1 under conditions to elicit an antibody response; b) isolating antibody-producing cells from the animal; c) fusing the antibody-producing cells with immortalized cells in culture to form monoclonal antibody producing hybridoma cells; d) culturing the hybridoma cells; and e) isolating from culture monoclonal antibody that specifically binds the protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.
 19. A method for using a protein to diagnose Alzheimer's disease comprising: a) performing an assay to quantify the expression of the protein of claim 1 in a sample; and b) comparing the expression of the protein to standards, thereby diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the sample is from brain.
 21. A method for treating Alzheimer's disease comprising administering to a subject in need of therapeutic intervention the protein of claim
 1. 22. A method for testing a molecule or compound for effectiveness as an agonist comprising: a) exposing a sample comprising the protein of claim 1 to the molecule or compound; and b) detecting agonist activity in the sample.
 23. An isolated antibody that specifically binds a protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.
 24. A polyclonal antibody produced by the method of claim
 17. 25. A monoclonal antibody produced by the method of claim
 18. 26. A method for using an antibody to detect expression of a protein in a sample, the method comprising: a) combining the antibody of claim 23 with a sample under conditions which allow the formation of antibody:protein complexes; and b) detecting complex formation wherein complex formation indicates expression of the protein in the sample.
 27. The method of claim 26 wherein the sample is from brain.
 28. The method of claim 26 wherein complex formation is compared with standards and is diagnostic of Alzheimer's disease.
 29. A method for using an antibody to immunopurify a protein comprising: a) attaching the antibody of claim 23 to a substrate; b) exposing the antibody to a sample containing protein under conditions to allow antibody:protein complexes to form; c) dissociating the protein from the complex; and d) collecting the purified protein.
 30. A composition comprising an antibody of claim 23 and a labeling moiety.
 31. A kit comprising the composition of claim
 30. 32. An array element comprising the antibody of claim
 23. 33. A substrate upon which the antibody of claim 23 is immobilized.
 34. A composition comprising an antibody of claim 23 and a pharmaceutical agent.
 35. The composition of claim 34 wherein the composition is lyophilized.
 36. A method for using a composition to assess efficacy of a molecule or compound, the method comprising: a) treating a sample containing protein with a molecule or compound; b) contacting the protein in the sample with the composition of claim 30 under conditions for complex formation; c) determining the amount of complex formation; and d) comparing the amount of complex formation in the treated sample with the amount of complex formation in an untreated sample wherein a difference in complex formation indicates efficacy of the molecule or compound.
 37. A method for using a composition to assess toxicity of a molecule or compound, the method comprising: a) treating a sample containing protein with a molecule or compound; b) contacting the protein in the sample with the composition of claim 30 under conditions for complex formation; c) determining the amount of complex formation; and d) comparing the amount of complex formation in the treated sample with the amount of complex formation in an untreated sample wherein a difference in complex formation indicates toxicity of the molecule or compound.
 38. A method for treating Alzheimer's disease comprising administering to a subject in need of therapeutic intervention the composition of claim
 34. 39. A method for delivering a therapeutic agent to a cell comprising: a) attaching the therapeutic agent to a multispecific molecule identified by the method of claim 13; and b) administering the multispecific molecule to a subject in need of therapeutic intervention wherein the multispecific molecule specifically binds the protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 thereby delivering the therapeutic agent to the cell.
 40. The method of claim 39 wherein the cell is from brain.
 41. An agonist that specifically binds the protein of claim
 1. 42. A method for treating Alzheimer's disease comprising administering to a subject in need of therapeutic intervention the agonist of claim
 41. 43. A composition comprising an agonist of claim 41 and a pharmaceutical carrier.
 44. A method for treating Alzheimer's disease comprising administering to a subject in need of therapeutic intervention the composition of claim
 43. 45. A small drug molecule that specifically binds and extends the lifespan of the protein of claim
 1. 46. A method for treating Alzheimer's disease comprising administering to a subject in need of therapeutic intervention the small drug molecule of claim
 45. 47. A composition comprising the small drug molecule of claim 45 and a pharmaceutical carrier.
 48. A method for treating Alzheimer's disease comprising administering to a subject in need of therapeutic intervention the composition of claim
 47. 49. An antisense molecule of from 15 to 30 nucleotides in length that specifically binds a portion of a polynucleotide having a nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 wherein the antisense molecule inhibits expression of the protein encoded by the polynucleotide.
 50. The antisense molecule of claim 49 wherein the antisense molecule comprises at least one modified internucleoside linkage.
 51. The antisense molecule of claim 50 wherein the modified internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate linkage.
 52. The antisense molecule of claim 49 wherein the antisense molecule contains at least one nucleotide analog.
 53. The antisense molecule of claim 52 wherein the nucleotide analog is a 5-methylcytosine. 